Today at 20:09
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on participants of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) meeting to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense, warning that Russia is relying on ballistic missile attacks as its “last argument” to prolong the war.
Addressing the meeting, Zelenskyy said Moscow hopes its ballistic missile campaign will break Ukraine’s resistance and the determination of its people.
“Russia is using ballistic missiles as its last argument to continue this war. That is what they are counting on. They want ballistic missiles to break our resistance and the will of the Ukrainian people. That is why we need more air defense. This is about protecting lives every single day.”
The president stressed that Ukraine urgently needs interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems and said partner countries already possess the necessary stockpiles.
“Ukraine critically needs interceptor missiles for Patriot systems. We all know that our partners have them. What is needed now is the political will to provide them — first and foremost from the United States. Please help make this happen.”
Marking U.S. Independence Day, Zelenskyy also appealed to Washington and its allies to continue supporting Ukraine’s defense.
“Today is America’s Independence Day. And together with the free world, America can help us defend our independence from Russian murderers and from this horrific Russian desire to destroy human life. Please continue to speak out clearly against Russian terror and emphasize Ukraine’s need for air defense.”
He concluded by urging partners to ensure Ukraine’s Patriot systems never run out of interceptor missiles.
“Help ensure that our air defense, our Patriot systems, never run out of the missiles they need. That is what saves lives.”
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