Zelensky Calls for Increased NATO Support in Fight Against Russian Missiles in Ukraine

In a televised speech at the NATO-Ukraine Council meeting on April 19, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky called on NATO to provide at least 7 more Patriot air defense complexes or similar systems to help protect lives in Ukraine. He highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that Russia has launched nearly 10,000 missiles and guided bombs into Ukraine in the past few months.

Zelensky emphasized the significant level of attacks from Russia, including the deployment of nearly 1,200 missiles, over 8,500 guided glide bombs, and 1,500 suicide drones targeting Ukraine since the beginning of the year. He expressed concern over the limited aid provided to Ukraine, referencing Israel’s successful interception of more than 300 missiles and UAVs targeting their airspace on April 13.

NATO Secretary General Jen Stoltenberg announced that alliance members had agreed to provide additional air defense system aid following a closed-door NATO-Ukraine Council meeting. While commitments from member countries were not explicitly mentioned, Stoltenberg indicated that NATO would provide available air defense systems to Ukraine, with potential announcements in the near future. Zelensky previously stated that Ukraine requires 25 Patriot systems to fully protect its airspace