Zelensky Says NATO, PURL Guarantee, Key in Defeating Russia’s ‘Final Argument’ - Ballistic Missiles

Key Points:

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described Russia’s missile and drone strikes as the Kremlin’s “final argument” in the war, emphasizing the urgent need for Western countermeasures and thanking partners for support through the PURL program and joint arms production projects.
• At the first NATO-Ukraine Council meeting in Kyiv, Zelensky highlighted strong international unity and commitment to Ukraine’s security, noting contributions from six countries to the PURL program and ongoing efforts to secure long-term financial guarantees.
• Zelensky detailed the scale of Russian attacks, including over 650 drones used in a single night and the production capacity of 120 ballistic missiles monthly, while underscoring Ukraine’s effective defense and gradual territorial gains despite heavy Russian losses.
• The war in the Middle East has impacted Ukraine’s supply of PAC-3 missiles, delaying new Patriot system deliveries until 2030, prompting Ukraine to seek alternative sources as it remains in a “queue” behind other conflicts.
• Zelensky called for increased diplomatic pressure on Russia, stressing the critical roles of the US and Europe in ending the war and expressing readiness for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.