Zelenskyy says pressure may come through supply of air defense missiles

Ukraine may receive fewer missiles for air defense systems due to attempts by some partners to make Kyiv more accomodating. The assumption was made by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to the head of state, restricting supplies of critically important defense means could be seen as a tool for applying pressure to Ukraine. Zelenskyy did not specify the countries he was referencing, nor did he disclose specific decisions about aid reductions.

The president emphasized that air defense missiles are key to Ukraine for protecting civilians and critical infrastructure against Russian strikes. The dearth of interceptor means able to counter ballistic missiles remains particularly acute.

Ukraine regularly asks partners to expedite ammunition supplies for Patriot systems and other air and missile defense systems. Kyiv is also seeking the hand-over of missiles from Alliance members' current stocks given manufacturing new interceptors an ample amount of time.

Zelenskyy hasn't detailed if Ukraine has confirmed data about intentional delay of supplies. His statement assesses possible motives of particular Western partners.

As originally reported by: Volodymyr Zelenskyy