Nato to ‘urgently’ get air defences for Ukraine, as Zelenskyy warns of surge in Russian missile production

NATO is prioritizing the urgent delivery of air defense systems to Ukraine, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced, following a day where Kyiv could not intercept a single Russian ballistic missile. The urgency is underscored by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's warning that Russia is significantly boosting its missile production ahead of winter.

During a meeting on winter resilience, Zelenskyy did not rule out the possibility that delays in Western missile supplies could be a tactic to make Ukraine more amenable to peace talks with Russia. This statement highlights the critical dependence of Ukraine's defense capabilities on consistent international support and raises concerns about potential political maneuvering influencing military aid.

“

NATO is working to get Ukraine the air defences it “urgently needs”.

The president's remarks come as Ukraine faces a renewed threat from Russian aerial attacks, particularly with the onset of winter. The failure to intercept ballistic missiles on Wednesday emphasizes the immediate need for advanced air defense capabilities, such as the Patriot system, which Ukraine has repeatedly requested. The situation points to a growing challenge for Ukraine in maintaining its air superiority and protecting its infrastructure and population against sustained Russian aggression.

“

stalling missile supplies from western allies were “aimed at making Ukraine, so to speak, more willing to compromise” in peace talks with Russia.