Ukrainian president calls for urgent air defence support after one of the largest Russian aerial barrages in months kills at least 18 people and wounds dozens across the country.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has directly appealed to US President Donald Trump to provide more Patriot missile systems, warning that Ukraine’s air defences are critically depleted following a massive overnight Russian missile and drone attack that struck multiple cities.
The plea comes as rescue workers continue to search through rubble in Kyiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv and other locations after Russia launched 73 missiles and 656 drones in one of the most intense aerial assaults of the war. At least 18 people were killed and more than 100 injured, according to Ukrainian officials.
Patriots with no missiles:
In a letter sent to Trump and the US Congress, Zelenskyy stressed the urgent need for additional Patriot PAC-3 interceptors, describing the systems as Ukraine’s most effective defence against Russian ballistic missiles.
“For us-for a nation fighting for its survival-there is hardly anything more painful to see than Patriot batteries with no missiles loaded,” he wrote.
The Ukrainian leader highlighted that while Ukraine has made progress in countering Russian drones, it remains highly vulnerable to ballistic missile attacks. He also urged faster deliveries, noting that US stocks have been strained by other global conflicts, including in the Middle East.
Kyiv Under Pressure as Russian Strikes Escalate:
The latest Russian assault targeted residential areas and civilian infrastructure, with significant damage reported in Kyiv and central Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian air defences managed to intercept a large portion of the incoming threats, but several missiles and drones got through, causing fires and building collapses.
Zelenskyy has warned that Russia is preparing further large-scale strikes, particularly as it seeks to exploit perceived weaknesses in Ukraine’s air defence capabilities.
This escalation comes amid broader concerns over the sustainability of Western military support for Ukraine under the current US administration, which has prioritised ending the conflict through negotiations while maintaining some level of security assistance.
Zelenskyy Urges Swift US Air Defence Support:
The appeal places Trump in a delicate position. During his previous term and campaign, he promised to quickly resolve the Ukraine war, often criticising the scale of US aid. However, senior Ukrainian officials argue that robust air defence support is essential not only for protecting civilians but also for strengthening Kyiv’s hand in any future negotiations.
European leaders have echoed Zelenskyy’s concerns, with some countries considering additional Patriot contributions. Yet many analysts point out that the US remains the primary source of these advanced systems and their missiles.
As rescue operations continue and funerals are held for the latest victims, the coming days will test whether Washington responds swiftly to Zelenskyy’s request or pushes instead for a diplomatic track that may require concessions from both sides.
For now, Ukrainian cities remain on high alert, with residents bracing for what officials fear could be a sustained Russian campaign aimed at breaking civilian morale and infrastructure.