Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warns that Russia is preparing and carrying out fresh waves of missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, and he is pressing the United States for expanded air-defense support. Multiple outlets report that Zelensky sends letters to President Donald Trump and to members of Congress urging additional Patriot missile interceptors and systems to counter ballistic threats. The appeals come as Zelensky says Ukraine has made significant progress defending against drones, but remains heavily dependent on U.S. Patriot capabilities for ballistic missile defense because Ukraine does not have its own comparable production capacity.
Several reports cite a large-scale Russian strike that included hundreds of drones and dozens of ballistic missiles, with Zelensky describing it as demonstrating vulnerability across Ukraine and Europe without stronger air defenses. He also calls for Europe to develop its own anti-ballistic missile shield, while continuing to stress the need for continued U.S. Patriot missile deliveries.
Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.S., Olha Stefanishyna, says Kyiv is prepared to pay for additional Patriot systems and missiles as Russian attacks against Ukrainian cities intensify. Reporting also notes concerns that deliveries are falling short amid broader U.S. demands for air-defense resources.
