Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has addressed a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump and members of Congress regarding Ukraine’s critical air defense shortages. He emphasized the rarity of foreign leaders simultaneously reaching out to both the president and Congress.
Zelensky highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “We need to act swiftly and effectively. It is crucial for America to hear Ukraine’s plea.” He acknowledged the global focus on the ongoing conflict in Iran but stressed the importance of addressing the protracted and bloody war in Europe, which has persisted at a full-scale level for five years.
According to Zelensky, the faster Ukraine receives protection against ballistic missiles, the sooner diplomatic efforts can be effective. He remarked, “As long as Russia relies on missiles, its interest in diplomacy is insincere. We need to correct this, and we can only do it together with America.” He expressed gratitude for U.S. support and emphasized the desire for a just peace and guaranteed security, contingent on sufficient resolve.
In his correspondence, Zelensky specifically mentioned the deepening deficit of air defense systems in Ukraine, noting that the country relies almost exclusively on the United States for protection against Russian ballistic missiles. He also referenced a recent attack on May 24, during which Russia launched two medium-range ballistic missiles, known as “Oreshnik.”
Ukrainian President Zelensky has called for urgent U.S. support to address critical air defense shortages, emphasizing the need for swift action amid ongoing conflict. He underlined Ukraine's reliance on U.S. assistance for protection against Russian missile threats.