Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent an urgent letter to US President Donald Trump informing him of a critical shortage of air defense equipment, primarily interceptor missiles, needed to protect Ukraine from ballistic attacks. This is reported by the Kyiv Independent.
According to the publication, the appeal was sent against the backdrop of increased massive Russian strikes on Ukraine and public threats of new long-range attacks on Kyiv, in particular on objects that Moscow calls “decision-making centers.”
In the letter, Zelensky notes that Ukraine is largely dependent on US assistance in terms of missile defense, especially when it comes to intercepting ballistic missiles. He emphasizes that it is American systems that play a key role in countering such threats.
“When it comes to missile defense, we rely on our friends. When it comes to ballistic missile defense, we rely almost exclusively on the United States.
The current pace of deliveries under the PURL program no longer reflects the reality of the threat we face. I ask for your help in protecting Ukraine’s skies from Russian missiles.
On behalf of the Ukrainian people, I respectfully ask the President and the U.S. Congress to continue to work together and help us ensure the security of this vital tool of defense against Russian terror — Patriot PAC-3 missiles and additional systems — to stop Russian ballistic missiles and other Russian missile attacks,” the letter says.
The letter also mentions the PURL program, which allows NATO countries to finance the purchase of American weapons for Ukraine. Kyiv emphasizes that the current pace of deliveries does not correspond to the scale and speed of Russian attacks, which are growing.
Zelensky also called on the US administration and Congress not to reduce the level of involvement and to accelerate the delivery of PAC-3 missiles and other air defense assets needed to protect against ballistic and cruise missiles.
As noted by the Kyiv Independent, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States Olga Stefanishyna distributed a letter to the White House, House Speaker Mike Johnson and other members of Congress.
Information about Zelensky’s letter to journalists confirmed Presidential Advisor Dmytro Lytvyn.
