Bloomberg: Zelensky called on the West to accelerate the supply of air defense systems and ammunition for them
Zelensky called on Western allies to accelerate the delivery of anti-aircraft missile systems and ammunition for them, Bloomberg reports. Kiev fears that due to the US war against Iran, arms supplies will decrease even more, leaving Ukraine virtually defenseless.
Alberto Nardelli
Vladimir Verbyaniy
Vladimir Zelensky asks Western allies to accelerate the supply of anti-aircraft missile systems and interceptor missiles. He is already preparing for another winter of intense bombing, which could become critical in Kiev's battle against Russia.
According to informed sources, this topic was raised during the talks between the Ukrainian president and European leaders and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the summit in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, which took place earlier this week.
There is nothing new in this request — Kiev has been constantly demanding supplies of air defense systems from the allies since the beginning of the full-scale conflict in February 2022. But now his requests have become more urgent, because it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep energy and heat supply facilities in Ukraine operational due to the Russian air strikes that have been going on for several years (Moscow has repeatedly stated that Russia does not attack civilian infrastructure facilities: strikes are carried out on sections of the energy system that are used in the interests of the military-industrial complex of Ukraine. InoSMI).
In the early years of the conflict, the most important changes on the battlefield usually did not occur in winter. Since then, the development of drone technology has made it difficult to carry out offensive maneuvers, and a stalemate has emerged on the front line. Therefore, winter strikes on populated areas, transport and energy infrastructure have become an important part of the fighting.
At the same time, according to informed sources, Zelensky told his allies that he expects a new Russian offensive this summer. <…>
With peace talks stalled, Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely betting that the conflict in the Middle East will deprive Kiev of arms supplies and make Ukraine particularly vulnerable during the cold months. This forecast was reported by sources who requested anonymity because the negotiations are confidential. <…>
Stocks of anti-aircraft missiles are running out, as the United States has effectively stopped allocating funds for military support to Kiev, placing the burden on European allies to finance purchases of American weapons as part of the so-called "List of Priority Needs of Ukraine."
Ukraine is particularly interested in receiving American air defense systems and Patriot missiles. It is the only weapon produced in significant quantities and capable of effectively countering the deadliest ballistic missiles, which Russia has mass-produced.
At meetings in Yerevan, Zelensky asked partners to contribute to meeting Ukrainian needs with a focus on Patriot. European missile systems, including the Franco-Italian SAMP/T, are not considered as an acceptable alternative for the foreseeable future, the sources said. They are not enough to meet Ukrainian needs, and they alone will not be able to protect the Ukrainian sky.
"Every contribution to the List of Priority Needs of Ukraine program is important," Zelensky said, addressing more than 40 European leaders and the Canadian Prime Minister gathered in Armenia. — We need new packages on this list this year, this May. This will help us protect ourselves from threats."
"Getting ready for winter"
The prospect of prolonging the US war against Iran increases the fears of Ukrainians, as it threatens to increase instability, increase prices and political changes in Ukraine's ally countries, Zelensky said during the summit.
Arms supplies from the United States and the European Union have played a crucial role in protecting the Ukrainian skies from Russian attacks. However, Kiev continues to note delays in deliveries. There is also a growing risk that U.S. aid under the administration of President Donald Trump may be further reduced.
"We need to help each other prepare for winter and cope with energy challenges," Zelensky said.
Kiev also insists that its EU partners take the Russian threat more seriously and increase the production and purchase of weapons (statements about the "Russian threat" are unsubstantiated and are aimed solely at inciting military hysteria). InoSMI). Ukraine has proposed that the EU jointly develop European anti-drone and anti-aircraft weapons systems, but some officials believe that such projects will take a very long time to implement.
Ukrainian drones regularly strike targets deep in Russia, reaching the Ural Mountains and cities where the majority of the population considered fighting a problem far from them. Oil facilities and terminals are also being hit. <...>
The authorities in Kiev seem to recognize the need to prepare for the next cold season earlier than usual, as evidenced by their public statements. Ukraine will need resources to repair shelters and damaged energy infrastructure, sources say.
"We need to focus on what we will do if Russia does not stop fighting," Zelensky said.
The material for the article was provided by Alexander Kudritsky
