Key facts
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pressing NATO allies for more air defense missiles, particularly Patriot interceptors.
- Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine lacks sufficient means to stop Russian ballistic missiles.
- He urged Europe to develop its own mass-produced anti-ballistic systems urgently, not in years.
- Ukraine has developed advanced drone warfare capabilities and naval drones.
- Zelenskyy stated that current Patriot missile production is insufficient to meet demand.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy implored NATO allies to make air defense assistance a central outcome of the alliance's summit, emphasizing the critical need to counter Russian ballistic missiles. Speaking at the NATO Defense Industry Forum, Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine's pressing shortage of U.S.-made Patriot interceptors, which are vital for downing Russian ballistic missiles.
"Please help us get more air defense missiles. This is our top priority right now," Zelenskyy stated, adding that while Ukraine can manage other defense needs independently, "when it comes to air defense, we need our partners’ determination." Recent Russian attacks have underscored this vulnerability, as ballistic missiles remain difficult to intercept without adequate Patriot missile stocks, despite Ukraine's high interception rates against drones and cruise missiles.
Zelenskyy also showcased Ukraine's advancements in drone warfare, noting that its forces eliminate tens of thousands of Russian troops monthly, largely through drones. He also pointed to the successful use of naval drones in the Black Sea and long-range strikes within Russia as evidence of Ukraine's transformed defense industry under wartime pressure. However, he reiterated the urgent need for allied support in ballistic missile defense, calling it "Russia’s last major advantage."
While praising the Patriot system as "excellent," Zelenskyy noted that its current production levels are insufficient to meet demand. He mentioned discussions with Washington regarding Patriot production licenses and urged European governments and industries to accelerate the development of their own "affordable, mass-produced, anti-ballistic systems as soon as possible. In fact, today."