The Ukrainian president highlighted the air defense response and formalized diplomatic efforts to strengthen national security, announcing two new agreements ahead of the harsh winter.
KYIV — Ukraine’s President, Volodimir Zelensky, praised the “successful performance of the Patriot systems” which managed to intercept Russian ballistic missiles during the latest massive attack against Kyiv.
The leader stressed the urgent need to strengthen the country’s air defense and called on Western allies for more compatible systems and missiles to protect the civilian population amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
In a message posted on the social media network X, Mr. Zelensky detailed that the Patriot air defense systems, a key part of the military support from the United States and Europe, showed “good performance” during the Russian attacks that began Thursday night and continued into Friday morning.
However, the head of state issued an alert to the international community: “We still need many more forces, systems, and compatible missiles to protect lives.”
In the same recorded and subsequently published statement, he explicitly thanked the Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway—and the Baltic partners for their support, as they decided “to contribute an additional $500 million to the PURL initiative.”
According to Mr. Zelensky, this package will represent “substantial help” for strengthening the invaded country’s military capabilities. The PURL plan is aimed at sustaining and modernizing Ukrainian air defense.
The Ukrainian president also previewed diplomatic efforts with other European nations to expand military and energy cooperation.
“We are working on the delivery of other advanced air defense systems and on strengthening our aviation; an important agreement with France is being prepared and will be finalized soon: a historic agreement,” he announced.
Regarding the energy supply, a critical issue as the coldest months of the year approach and the risk of Russian attacks focused on vital infrastructure increases, Mr. Zelensky detailed his plans. “We are managing an agreement with Greece on energy to maximize gas supply options for Ukraine, both for this winter and in the long term,” he said. For the president, “agreements with various European countries, from Norway to Greece, will guarantee our state’s gas supply.”
The president concluded his post by especially thanking “all partners who are helping us,” in a message primarily aimed at European governments and the United States.
This Friday, Mr. Zelensky also participated in a videoconference with the heads of all of Ukraine’s diplomatic missions. In the meeting, he addressed issues concerning the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia and the protection of human rights in the temporarily occupied territories.
Furthermore, in his post on X, he remarked that alongside his diplomats, they analyzed the main priorities of their work for the immediate future and the coming year. “It is fundamental to continue strengthening our air defense: Ukraine needs air defense systems and missiles.”
“We must expand the PURL initiative, through which we receive weaponry for our defense: intensify efforts to involve countries that have not yet joined and increase their contributions,” he added.
Keep Independent Journalism Alive
In a world flooded with noise, independent journalism is more vital than ever. We work hard to bring you clear, accurate, and unbiased international news — free from corporate or political influence.If you believe in the power of honest reporting, please consider making a donation. Every contribution, big or small, helps us stay independent and keep the world informed.
Support us via PayPalYour support makes a difference.
