Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized European nations for keeping air defense systems inactive while Ukraine faces continuous aerial attacks from Russia.
Ukraine has received some air defense support from its partners, including Patriot batteries, HAWK systems, NASAMS, IRIS-T, and Gepard systems, but the country still lacks the comprehensive coverage needed to fully protect its territory, particularly civilian and energy infrastructure, from Russian attacks. In April, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine needs at least 25 Patriot systems to protect the whole of Ukraine.
“It’s incomprehensible when air defense systems are just standing there… when each system can save hundreds or even thousands of lives,” Zelenskyy said in a video address on 9 November.
He claimed that Europe possesses sufficient air defense capabilities that could provide Ukraine with reliable protection.
Zelenskyy noted that he consistently raises this issue during meetings with partners who have the necessary defense systems at their disposal.
In August, a former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba claimed that some Patriot air defense systems that partners promised to Ukraine, have not yet been delivered.
Zelenskyy also reported that in a single week, Russian forces launched 500 Shahed attack drones, 900 guided aerial bombs, and approximately 30 missiles at Ukrainian targets.
The urgency of his request was underscored by a recent drone attack on 9 November, when Russian forces deployed 51 drones of various types, with the Odesa Oblast bearing the brunt of the assault. The attack led to a fire in a residential complex, causing the death of one person and injuring 13 others, including two boys aged 4 and 16.
Related:
- Fire breaks out in residential complex in Odesa after Russian drone attack
- Pentagon to send 500 interceptor missiles to Ukraine for NASAMS, Patriot air defense systems
- Germany completes fourth training round for Ukrainian troops on Patriot air defense systems
- Pentagon rules out NATO air defense role in Ukraine to avoid war involvement