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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged U.S. President Donald Trump and Congress to provide immediate air defence systems and interceptors as Russia escalates its threats of new missile strikes.
In a letter seen by Reuters, Zelensky called ballistic missiles Moscow’s “last major advantage on the battlefield” and stated that Ukraine is ready to purchase the required number of Patriot systems to protect its skies.
U.S.-made interceptors currently provide Ukraine with its only defence against Russian ballistic missiles, but the country faces a critical supply shortage.
While Kyiv has been purchasing these missiles through a European-funded NATO initiative during Trump’s term, Zelensky warned that the pace of deliveries can no longer counter the current threat level, noting how painful it is to see empty Patriot batteries.
The appeal follows a massive Russian assault on Sunday, where Moscow launched 30 ballistic missiles—including two nuclear-capable Oreshnik intermediate-range missiles—and Ukrainian forces managed to intercept only 11.
Zelensky emphasised that Vladimir Putin will continue to avoid conventional diplomacy as long as he maintains this devastating aerial advantage, making rapid U.S. military aid vital for Ukraine’s survival.
