Zelenskyy Urges NATO to Accelerate Air Defense Assistance and Pressure on Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed the need to increase international pressure on Russia in a telephone conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he had a telephone conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. During the conversation, it was emphasized that Ukraine’s air defense systems should be strengthened and international pressure on Russia should be increased.

Zelenskyy, in a post on his Telegram account, recalled Russia’s launch of a new type of ballistic missile against Ukraine last week, and stated that the NATO-Ukraine Council met for this reason. Zelenskyy, who stated that Ukraine’s air defense capabilities should be strengthened in his meeting, noted that allied countries have air defense systems that can prevent long-range Russian attacks.

Zelenskyy stated that he gave Rutte the names of specific air defense systems that are operational and needed, and that these systems are available in allied countries. In addition, Zelenskyy emphasized that the air defense system and weapons aid that were decided to be given to Ukraine at the last NATO summit in Washington have not yet been fully implemented, and that this situation has a negative impact on the people’s morale.

“We expect this, and it significantly affects the motivation and morale of our people,” Zelenskyy said.

According to Kyiv Indipendent, Zelenskyy said, “Our key goal is Ukraine’s full NATO membership. Ukraine can become the 33rd member of NATO. Ukrainians deserve this,” Zelenskyy noted.