Zelensky suggested that Ukraine is not being given air defense missiles in order to force it to negotiate with Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that delays in providing additional air defense capabilities may be linked not only to a shortage of resources but also to political reasons.
According to him, partners attribute the shortage of missiles for air defense systems to the needs of other conflicts; however, he does not rule out that this could be an attempt to make Ukraine more compliant on certain issues.
The head of state emphasized the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, as the protection of civilian infrastructure and the population depends on it.
Reasons for the Reduction in Supplies
According to the head of state, Air Force Commander Anatoliy Kryvonozhko confirms the reduction in aid volumes.
Partners, particularly the United States and European countries, cite developments and involvement in the conflict in the Middle East as the main reason for the missile shortage.
“At least that is the official reason we received from our partners—primarily the United States of America, as well as our European partners. Their involvement in the Middle East has been minimized, but nevertheless, in previous years they provided Ukraine with anti-ballistic missiles to replenish our Patriot and other air defense systems,” the president noted.
At the same time, Zelenskyy does not rule out that, in addition to the situation in the Middle East, there may also be political motives.
“I don’t know if there are other reasons besides the Middle East. Perhaps these are political moves intended to make Ukraine more compliant. In my view, this is certainly a factor, and we understand that this is a serious challenge,” the head of state emphasized.
Development of Ukraine’s Own Air Defense System
The president noted that Ukraine managed to get through a difficult winter, but supplies have been decreasing every month, and the country is now facing a constant shortage.
In this regard, the development and implementation of a domestic air defense system has become a critically important priority.
According to Zelenskyy, creating our own defense capabilities is the right step both for the present and for the country’s security in the post-war period.
This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as reported with reference to his official Telegram channel.
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