Zelensky asked Trump for air defence munitions: AFP
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- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has requested more Patriot air defense munitions from the United States to counter Russian ballistic missiles.
- The appeal highlights Ukraine's significant reliance on Western allies for air defense capabilities.
- This request follows a recent severe missile and drone attack on Kyiv, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced protection.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the United States to supply more ammunition for its Patriot air defense systems, according to a document reviewed by AFP. The appeal underscores Ukraine's near-complete dependence on Western allies to intercept Russian missile barrages. This request comes days after one of the most devastating combined missile and drone attacks on Kyiv since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war.
help us secure this vital tool of protection against Russian terror, Patriot missiles PAC-3 and additional systems, to stop Russian ballistic missiles and other Russian missile attacks.
In a letter dated May 26 and addressed to then-US President Donald Trump, Zelensky asked Washington to "help us secure this vital tool of protection against Russian terror, Patriot missiles PAC-3 and additional systems, to stop Russian ballistic missiles and other Russian missile attacks." The five-page document, also sent to Congress, acknowledged Ukraine's exclusive reliance on the US for ballistic missile defense. Zelensky stated that Patriot systems in Ukrainian hands have proven effective in stopping the majority of Russian missiles.
When it comes to defending against ballistic missiles, we rely almost exclusively on the United States.
The appeal arrives during a complex period in US-Ukraine relations. Trump had previously vowed to end Russia's invasion quickly. However, US-led efforts for peace talks have been complicated by the war in the Middle East and a lack of progress on key issues, including the control of eastern Ukraine. Both sides have intensified long-range missile and drone attacks since bilateral talks earlier this year stalled.
And it is in Ukrainian hands that Patriot systems have proven something extremely important: The majority of Russian missiles can be stopped.
A senior Ukrainian presidency official admitted to AFP that acquiring ammunition for advanced air defense systems supplied by Western allies is challenging. "It's just hard to find missiles right now when there are so many other orders in the Gulf and other places like that," the source said, noting that supplies through the PURL procurement system have also slowed. The war in the Middle East, which has seen allies expend significant air defense ammunition, has worsened a shortage Ukraine has faced since the conflict began. Ukraine's success in drone warfare has also attracted attention from Gulf states targeted by similar Iranian-designed drones.
It’s just hard to find missiles right now when there are so many other orders in the Gulf and other places like that.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Dawn. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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