Zelenskyy discusses 'urgent' air defense needs with NATO chief in Ankara

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Ankara to press for urgent air defense supplies for his country. The meeting, held on the sidelines of a NATO summit in the Turkish capital, focused on the critical need for air defense systems to counter Russian aggression.

Zelenskyy stressed the importance of accelerating deliveries, particularly of Patriot missile systems, which are vital for Ukraine's defense. He highlighted the PURL program, through which allied nations, primarily European ones, have been purchasing U.S.-made weaponry since 2025 for transfer to the Ukrainian military.

The leaders also discussed potential "additional contributions" from NATO member states to bolster Ukraine's air defense capabilities. Zelenskyy referred to the "Anti-Ballistic Coalition," comprising Ukraine and over a dozen European countries including Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, which aims to advance the production of effective European air defense systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.

In parallel discussions, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten announced an agreement with Ukraine to lay the groundwork for joint drone production. Zelenskyy also met with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal and updated Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on recent defense aid packages from Canada, including significant air defense support.