Zelenskyy Urges US to Send Ukraine More Air Defense Systems

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is calling on the US to provide additional ballistic missile defence systems. According to Zelenskyy, Russia has launched massive attacks on Ukraine using ballistic missiles, striking energy infrastructure, water supply systems and schools. Ukraine needs Western support to strengthen its defensive capabilities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a fresh appeal to the US to send Ukraine additional air defence systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. Zelenskyy stressed that Russian attacks on the country's civilian infrastructure have become increasingly intense and destructive.

"Russia attacked us with a large number of ballistic missiles, striking our energy infrastructure, water supply systems and schools," Zelenskyy said, describing the scale of Russian attacks against Ukrainian civilians.

Ukraine's leader has repeatedly emphasised that without adequate air defence capabilities, the country's energy system and civilian population remain vulnerable. Intercepting ballistic missiles requires specific, high-technology systems that Ukraine currently lacks.

The US has been Ukraine's largest military aid provider to date, but decisions on supplying new air defence systems are often politically sensitive and time-consuming. Zelenskyy is pressing Western countries to make decisions faster, as winter brings new risks of energy crises.