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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Ankara to discuss strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities against Russian ballistic missile attacks, UATV English reports, citing the Office of the President of Ukraine.
The president thanked Rutte for his personal support and NATO’s continued assistance to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.
Zelenskyy briefed the NATO chief on the consequences of Russia’s recent attacks on Ukrainian cities and communities. The two leaders discussed protecting civilians from Russian ballistic missiles and stressed the urgent need to supply additional interceptor missiles for Ukraine’s air defense systems.
“Tomorrow we will discuss various issues with President Trump, including this one. The most important task now is to find a way to obtain as many Patriot missiles as possible as quickly as possible. Of course, we see and feel Russia’s weakness. But it is not enough. We need more pressure, more anti-ballistic capabilities, and more sanctions against Russia,” Zelenskyy said.
The leaders also discussed additional contributions by NATO member states to the PURL program and efforts to establish an Anti-Ballistic Coalition. They agreed on further steps to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to counter ballistic missile threats.
For his part, Rutte praised the achievements of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, highlighting the heavy losses inflicted on Russian forces and the effectiveness of Ukraine’s long-range strikes.
“What we have seen over the past few months, what you are doing, is truly impressive. You are successfully striking Russian energy infrastructure and defense facilities deep inside Russia. Their advance has slowed significantly. You have become much more successful both in conducting deep strikes and on the front line,” the NATO secretary general said.
The meeting also focused on joint weapons production and expanding defense cooperation between Ukraine and NATO member states.
Zelenskyy and Rutte agreed to continue close coordination on all issues discussed during the meeting.
Read also: Rutte Commends Ukraine’s Battlefield Successes and Long-Range Strike Campaign — Zelenskyy
