Ukraine Desperately Needs Patriot Missiles and Tougher Sanctions Against Russia — Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the country is in urgent need of additional interceptor missiles for its Patriot air defense systems. According to him, further intensifying sanctions pressure on Russia is equally important, as only a comprehensive approach can force the aggressor to end the war.
“Ukraine is in critical need of interceptor missiles for the Patriot systems. And we all know that our partners have them. What is needed now is the political will to transfer them to Ukraine, first and foremost from the United States. Please help make this possible,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
He also noted that he is in the city of Odesa, which Russia is desperately trying to destroy.
According to him, Ukraine is finding ways to counter powerful Russian attacks. However, ballistic missiles remain the greatest challenge for Ukraine’s air defense.
“We consistently manage to shoot down at least 90% of drones. But ballistic missiles are a much more complex challenge. We are also working to intercept cruise missiles more effectively. However, it is ballistic missiles that Russia is using as its last resort to continue this war. That is what it is counting on. They want to break our resistance and the will of the Ukrainian people. That is exactly why we need more air defense capabilities. “This is about protecting human lives every single day,” he said.
In addition to strengthening air defense, Zelenskyy called on international partners not to ease the pressure of sanctions on Russia.
“Please, do not ease the pressure of sanctions. Impose new sanctions so that Russia has fewer and fewer opportunities to adapt to this war and so that it is forced to move toward negotiations,” he emphasized.
The President paid particular attention to the need to put pressure on the Russian oil sector.
He also called on European countries to establish legal mechanisms for the confiscation and sale of oil transported by Russia’s “shadow fleet,” stressing that these resources must not be used to finance the war against Ukraine.
“Please remain active. Help us bring our people back from Russian captivity—our children, prisoners of war, and civilian hostages,” he said.
According to a Ukrinform correspondent in The Hague, he made these remarks in a video addressduring the 33rd annual session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, which is taking place July 4–8, 2026, in The Hague.
Zelenskyycongratulated the U.S. on Independence Day and thanked Trump for his support of Ukraine
