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Amid Intensifying Russian Strikes, Ukraine’s Pleas for Air Defenses Are Falling Flat
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- President Volodymyr Zelensky successfully secured U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine in 2023 through persistent lobbying efforts.
- Amid the most intense Russian missile attacks of the war, Zelensky’s recent appeals for more air defense missiles have seen a significant decline in support from Western allies.
- Zelensky reported that the supply of air defense missiles from Western partners has dropped threefold in 2025 compared to previous years, despite allies having the missiles available.
- Western nations are reluctant to send additional missiles due to their own defense needs amid ongoing conflicts, including those in the Middle East, which have depleted global missile stockpiles.
- Zelensky continues to emphasize the human impact of missile defense, asserting that each interceptor missile saves lives, but geopolitical and strategic considerations now limit Western assistance.
