Zelenskyy warns air defence supplies insufficient, anticipates new Russian strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday that allied supplies of air defence systems and missiles were insufficient as Russia prepares new large-scale attacks.

In his evening address, Zelenskyy called on international partners to accelerate deliveries, saying: ‘Supplies are insufficient. We are trying to accelerate them, and it is important that our partners hear us.’ He urged citizens to remain alert during air raid alerts and to support vulnerable neighbours.

Zelenskyy said a Ukrainian delegation, including Rustem Umerov, Kyrylo Budanov and Davyd Arakhamia, was en route to the United States for talks on security guarantees and a post-war recovery package. He expressed hope that agreements could be signed on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos next week.

The president highlighted ongoing cooperation with the Czech Republic on artillery and drone production, and reiterated the importance of political support from allies. He added that Ukrainian authorities have mobilised tens of thousands of personnel to repair energy infrastructure and maintain municipal services affected by Russian strikes and severe weather.

Zelenskyy also emphasised that upcoming diplomatic efforts should produce concrete results for Ukraine and its partners, including the United States and European nations: ‘Peace is equally needed by everyone; real security is needed by everyone; normal economic development is also needed by everyone.’

The Ukrainian leader made the remarks as Kyiv continues to face Russian attacks and seeks clarity from Washington on Moscow’s stance toward proposed U.S.-backed diplomatic efforts to end the nearly four-year conflict.

Copied