Situation overview: Zelenskyy fears massive Russian attack before NATO summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy anticipates significant Russian assaults preceding the NATO summit in Ankara, citing intelligence reports and characterizing the potential attacks as typical of President Vladimir Putin's tactics. Zelenskyy believes Russia aims to inflict further harm and casualties before the crucial mid-week meeting of NATO representatives.

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Every delay in the delivery of missiles for our air defense and for the Patriot systems costs lives and encourages Russia to continue the war.

Appealing to Ukraine's international partners, Zelenskyy stressed the urgent need for enhanced air defense capabilities. He stated that any delay in supplying missiles for air defense and Patriot systems directly leads to loss of life and emboldens Russia's continued aggression. Zelenskyy noted that the necessary air defense systems exist globally but require political will, particularly from the United States, to be transferred to Ukraine.

The Ukrainian President highlighted that while Ukraine's air defenses are effective against drones and cruise missiles, they are largely powerless against ballistic missiles. Patriot systems are presented as the sole effective countermeasure. Zelenskyy previously lamented the scarcity of Patriot ammunition and suggested possibilities for domestic or European production of these systems.

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The world certainly has the necessary quantity and quality of air defense systems. What is needed is to make them available to Ukraine.

At the Ankara summit, Zelenskyy plans to directly request additional Patriot systems from U.S. President Donald Trump during their meeting. A senior U.S. official indicated that both leaders would discuss pathways to end the conflict, noting the lack of significant military progress by either side and the immense costs involved. The official expressed confidence that the meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy could yield progress, and suggested Trump might also engage with President Putin.

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The President therefore feels a real sense of urgency to try to bring this to an end.