To cover up its failures on the ground, Russia has launched a new wave of air terror against Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure, which is why Ukraine needs stronger air defense. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this during his online address to participants of the 71st Annual Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, attended by delegations from nearly 50 countries, including Europe, all the Alliance, and the Middle East.
The Head of State emphasized that Ukrainian warriors have held back another wave of Russian attacks in the Sumy and Donetsk regions. Although in the summer, Russia assured the United States and other countries that its forces would capture all of Donbas by October–November, Ukrainian defenders are now advancing. This has been made possible, in particular, thanks to increased domestic weapons production. More than 40% of the weapons used at the front are produced in Ukraine.
“To cover up their failures on the ground, Russia has started a new wave of air terror against Ukraine – against our cities and civilian infrastructure. Their main targets are our energy systems. Every day, every night, Russian missiles and drones hit power plants and transmission lines. And this is a brutal attack on normal life, and it is dangerous,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
The President noted that protecting against Russian attacks requires air defense systems and missiles for them. According to the Head of State, Ukraine produces interceptor drones for “shaheds,” has mobile strike groups and aircraft, but the Russians carry out combined strikes using large numbers of cruise and ballistic missiles.
“Before winter, Putin hopes to use this terror to break our resistance. We must not let that happen. So I urge you to advocate in your parliaments and governments for stronger air defenses and the missiles we need. And the decisions are needed in the coming weeks – on both systems and missiles,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
The Head of State mentioned that over the weekend, he spoke twice with U.S. President Donald Trump, including about Patriot systems, Tomahawk missiles, energy equipment, and the need for partners to refrain from buying Russian oil. He also spoke about the PURL initiative, which helps Ukraine purchase American weapons, including missiles for Patriot systems.
“It’s important that the pledged contributions arrive and are used quickly – they save lives. Some funds have not come yet. And we hope other Allies will join the PURL program – it will help. Air terror is Putin’s last move. We must stop it. Deny him victories on the ground and in the sky – then real diplomacy becomes possible,” the President noted.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the war in the Middle East is finally ending after so many victims. At the same time, the largest source of global instability remains Russia’s war in Europe.
“And it depends on all of you whether this war will end too. Putin can be forced into peace – just like any other terrorist,” the Head of State emphasized.
In addition, the President called for strengthening sanctions against Russia that limit its war machine and for pressuring those who continue supplying critical components for Russian drones and missiles. Ukraine is ready to provide all the facts and share any information.
“By stopping Russia now, you are not only helping us protect our lives – you are helping yourselves. And you spare your leaders from having to do what I do – appeal to the world for help if Russian drones, missiles, and soldiers become a threat to you. Russia must lose,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
The Head of State called for building a real system of guaranteed security and supporting the Coalition of the Willing.