Zelenskyy urges allies to fulfill promises amid intensified Russian airstrikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a renewed plea to international allies on Sunday, urging them to deliver on commitments to supply advanced weaponry, particularly air defense systems, as Russia intensifies its aerial assaults.

Speaking via Telegram, Zelenskyy revealed that Russian forces had carried out hundreds of attacks in the past week alone, deploying nearly 700 aerial bombs and over 600 attack drones against Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported successfully intercepting 60 out of 94 drones launched by Russia overnight while employing electronic warfare measures to divert an additional 34 drones. However, Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia’s continued air superiority enables its forces to perpetuate the conflict and terrorize Ukraine.

“Every week, the Russian war continues only because the Russian army retains its ability to terrorize Ukraine and exploit its superiority in the sky,” Zelenskyy said.

He specifically called on NATO members and other allies to expedite the implementation of decisions made at key summits, including the NATO meeting in Washington and the Ramstein discussions on bolstering Ukraine’s air defenses.

Zelenskyy also highlighted recent talks with the United States and other partners about granting Ukraine the ability to produce air defense systems and missiles domestically, an initiative he believes could significantly enhance the country’s long-term security.

This appeal comes as Ukraine faces a critical need for advanced defense systems to counter relentless Russian attacks and protect its civilian population and infrastructure.