Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Sunday for the complete adoption of all international treaties on air defense systems and missiles ahead of winter, citing the urgent necessity of these deliveries as Ukraine enters possibly another challenging winter season.
During his Sunday evening address, Zelenskyy laid out Ukraine’s foreign policy agenda for the balance of September and October, with air defense systems at the top of that agenda in addition to the full implementation of decisions reached at the recent Ramstein summit and agreements reached with allies in Washington and Paris.
“Prior to winter, we have to strictly implement all agreements on the supply of air defense equipment, missiles for them, and purchase contracts,” Zelenskyy said in the message released on the presidential website.
The Ukrainian president cited progress under the Pentagon’s Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, or PURL, through which Ukraine is able to purchase U.S. weapons. More than $2 billion have been spent under the program so far, with another $1.5 billion to be allocated, Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy particularly mentioned the requirement of Patriot anti-missile defense systems, indicating that Ukraine has expressed its willingness to purchase the amount of systems that is required. He mentioned that while there is “good momentum with Europe,” Ukraine still awaits crucial decisions from the United States.
The president also sketched out Ukraine’s growing defense production partnerships, describing them as historic joint ventures that will establish production plants in both Ukraine and partner countries. Denmark was cited as a leader in these efforts, with work also planned to move ahead in other Nordic countries, the Baltics, and Western European countries like the Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal briefed Zelenskyy on the pending requirements, and the president requested calculations and reports of decisions by Friday. Prior to taking diplomatic action, Zelenskyy declared an engaged week at the next week’s UN General Assembly, with emphasis on the urgency for concerted international pressure against Russia. He said former President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Europe a week before the General Assembly is a chance to align decision-making.
President of Ukraine threatened that without an “actually tangible reaction” against Russia’s continuation of the war, including delayed sanctions and tariffs, Moscow would interpret international indifference as licence to take its military attack further. He mentioned in particular recent drone strikes, noting that Russian forces “can already launch drones with impunity even against Poland.”
“We can all see that there is no desire on the side of Russia to decrease its war equipment, no will to stop it, and is going on further aggressive projects,” Zelenskyy stated. “Only a strong and united European potential — with America and other partners on our continent — can ensure sure protection.”
The address is delivered as Ukraine continues to face regular missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure, with increasing fears that the country won’t be able to maintain power and heating systems throughout the winter.
Zelenskyy concluded his address by expressing gratitude towards global allies who “take a firm position” and “act instead of waiting,” reiterating that immediate action is required to counter Russian aggression.
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