Zelensky announces response to Russian escalation and negotiations on strengthening air defense

Ukraine is preparing retaliatory measures against a new wave of Russian attacks and is negotiating with international partners on additional supplies of air defense systems and ammunition for F-16 fighters. At the same time, the Ukrainian leadership is working to fulfill requests from combat units received during the president's meetings with the military at the front.

This was announced on October 8 by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky after a report by Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Alexander Poklad and Deputy Head of the Office of the President Pavel Palisa.

According to the head of state, the discussion focused on three main areas: preparing retaliatory actions to Russian escalation, obtaining additional international military assistance, and meeting the needs of the Defense Forces units.

“We are preparing our responses to this wave of Russian escalation,” — Zelensky said.

The president did not disclose the content of the planned actions or their timing.

Ukraine seeks additional supplies of air defense and weapons for F-16s

One of the main issues remains the provision of Ukrainian air defense. Zelensky said that the authorities use all available channels of communication with states that can provide the necessary weapons.

The negotiations concern primarily additional air defense packages and ammunition for F-16 fighters that participate in protecting Ukrainian airspace.

“Through all available channels, we are working with partners who can provide Ukraine with additional support in the form of air defense packages and ammunition for F-16s,” — the president emphasized.

In this message, specific countries, volumes of possible supplies, and timing of new packages are not named. This refers to ongoing negotiations, not confirmation of the transfer of additional weapons.

Earlier, Zelensky noted that Ukraine needs primarily means to counter ballistic missiles, with which Russia continues to attack cities and critical infrastructure.

On October 5, the president announced the preparation of new contracts for air defense systems and missiles for them. At that time, he separately appealed to partners with a request to increase supplies of anti-missile weapons to protect Ukrainian energy and other vital facilities.

According to the head of state, the existence of relevant decisions and the political readiness of partners are of fundamental importance, but it is no less important to ensure timely implementation of the agreements reached.

Netherlands and France discuss strengthening Ukrainian aviation

In parallel, Ukraine is negotiating with European countries on support for combat aviation.

During a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of the Netherlands Rob Jetten on October 5, Zelensky discussed additional possibilities for using F-16s to intercept Russian drones.

According to the president's assessment, a significant portion of Russian jet strike drones are destroyed precisely with the participation of fighters transferred by the Netherlands.

Jetten, in turn, declared readiness to assist in the maintenance of Ukrainian F-16s and provide them with the necessary spare parts and ammunition.

The leaders also considered other ways to increase the protection of critical infrastructure from Russian air attacks.

Separate negotiations on October 5 took place between Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron.

The parties discussed the preparation of a new French defense assistance package. In addition, they talked about the upcoming training of Ukrainian pilots on Rafale fighters.

These negotiations are part of broader work to strengthen Ukrainian aviation, but pilot training and discussion of new supplies do not mean the immediate arrival of additional aircraft to Ukraine.

Russian strikes increase the need for energy protection

The need to accelerate military aid is connected with the ongoing Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

On the eve, the president reported updated intelligence data regarding Russia's preparation of another massive air attack. Zelensky called on citizens to pay careful attention to air raid warnings.

During a meeting with the military command, the expansion of the use of electronic warfare to protect critical infrastructure was also discussed.

The president noted that Ukrainian electronic warfare systems already ensure the neutralization of a significant portion of Russian strike drones. In this regard, additional tasks were given to manufacturers of relevant equipment, the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

However, countering ballistic missiles remains a separate problem. Their interception requires specialized missile defense systems and a sufficient stock of missiles.

Ukrainian authorities hope to strengthen these capabilities through international supplies and the fulfillment of previously agreed defense arrangements.

Military leadership fulfills requests from units at the front

The third issue of the report, which Zelensky announced, was meeting the needs of combat units.

The president stated that the implementation of requests from corps and brigade commanders, which the military expressed during his trips to the front, continues.

“We continue to fulfill the requests of combat corps and brigade commanders that the guys expressed during meetings at the front,” — the head of state noted.

He did not specify the list of these requests or the degree of their fulfillment.

Thus, the work of the Ukrainian leadership is now focused simultaneously on preparing retaliatory measures to Russian attacks, expanding air defense capabilities, and providing for units directly on the front line.

At the same time, the key condition for further strengthening the protection of Ukrainian cities remains the timely arrival of weapons from international partners.

Based on materials from: Volodymyr Zelensky, Office of the President – negotiations with the Netherlands, Office of the President – negotiations with France, Ukrinform.