Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has highlighted a critical shortage of air defense systems and missiles, indicating that the nation’s stock could be depleted within weeks depending on the intensity of Russian attacks.
In an interview with Buitenhof, Zelensky stated, “Regarding how many we need or whether we have enough… they (air defense missiles) could run out any week. This depends on the scale of the attack, but we do not have a large reserve or quantity. They are constantly in transit.” This underscores the urgency of Ukraine’s need for enhanced air defense capabilities.
Zelensky emphasized that the search for additional air defense systems is a primary focus of his ongoing diplomatic efforts. He specifically mentioned the need for missile defense systems akin to the Patriot system to counter ballistic threats.
While acknowledging the effectiveness of Ukraine’s existing measures against drones, he noted, “We already have effective solutions for destroying drones and some missiles, having developed many of our own tools during this war. However, we lack ballistic defense. We will be able to change this — we are developing our own production and will also work with European partners.”
The president revealed that Ukraine has made certain decisions in collaboration with its allies, but he refrained from disclosing specific details, stating, “I can only say that this is currently insufficient — we need more air defense systems.” He reiterated Ukraine’s willingness to share its experiences with partners to enhance collective defense efforts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concerns over the nation's dwindling air defense capabilities, emphasizing the urgent need for additional systems to counter ongoing Russian threats. He highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure these resources while noting the effectiveness of current measures against drone attacks.