Zelensky: Ukraine's air defense missiles running out
ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency
Sun / 7 April 2024 / 11:38
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Saturday that Ukraine might exhaust its supply of air defense missiles should Russia continue its relentless long-range bombing campaign.
Tehran -ISNA- The Ukrainian President's most dire warning yet regarding the worsening condition of his country's air defenses comes after weeks of Russian targets on energy infrastructure, urban areas, and towns using a wide array of missiles and drones.
"If they keep hitting [Ukraine] every day the way they have for the last month, we might run out of missiles, and the partners know it," Zelensky said on Ukrainian television. He said that Ukraine had enough air defense stockpiles to cope for the moment, adding that it was already having to make difficult choices about what to protect.
He specifically emphasized the necessity for Patriot missiles. These advanced US air defense systems proved crucial during Russian targets involving ballistic and hypersonic missiles, he noted, highlighting the requirement for 25 systems to provide comprehensive coverage across the country.
The president also mentioned that Ukraine now lacks sufficient ammunition to continue the war. However, he added that the country has begun to receive some ammunition from its partners to bolster its defensive capabilities. "We don't have shells for counter-offensive actions. As for the defense - there are several initiatives, and we're receiving weapons," he added.
He stated that his country would be receptive to accepting a US aid package involving a loan. "We will agree to any options," he confirmed, stressing the importance of swift aid delivery by stating, "The sooner, the better."
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