Zelensky Urges Europe to Speed Up Air Defense Deliveries

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on European allies to speed up deliveries of air defense systems, particularly Patriot missiles designed to destroy Russian ballistic missiles.

Zelensky warned that Russia is increasingly relying on ballistic missiles and that Kyiv needs stronger air defenses, Politico reported.

According to Zelensky, the problem is no longer just funding, but also the limited availability of weapons. The war between the US, Israel and Iran has increased demand for Patriot missiles and placed further strain on global stockpiles.

During NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s visit to Kyiv, Ukraine also criticized the slow progress of the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), a program through which allies finance the purchase of US weapons for Ukraine.

Although NATO has declared continued support and several countries have pledged new contributions, the volume of supplies has so far fallen short of both Kyiv’s needs and the targets set for this year.

(mja)