Kyiv optimistic about Ukraine-NATO Council meeting for its air defense

In anticipation of today’s Ukraine-NATO Council meeting, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, has expressed optimism about the prospect of expediting “crucial decisions” to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.

He said the focal point of the discussions will be the acquisition of modern systems and ammunition vital for bolstering the nation’s air defense and acknowledged and extended gratitude to Ukraine’s international partners for their “continued financial support”. 

“Ensuring regular delivery of the missiles of Patriots, IRIS-T, NASAMS, and other systems is a top priority that must be completed today, not tomorrow,” Kuleba stressed.. “The more successful Ukraine’s air defenses are, the less likely it is that a Russian missile or drone will accidentally fly into NATO’s border airspace. It makes sense for our allies to mobilize all available forces to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense now.”

Kuleba highlighted the interconnectedness between a strong Ukrainian air defense system and regional security, asserting that a stronger defense significantly reduces the risk of inadvertent incursions into NATO’s airspace.

The minister urged NATO allies to “collectively and promptly” mobilize resources, underscoring the strategic imperative of fortifying Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.