President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated Ukraine’s urgent need for additional air defense systems during a short speech with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte ahead of the NATO summit in The Hague.
This was reported by an Ukrinform correspondent.
“We still need air defense, and we still have support on this direction from the partners and we really count on continuation,” Zelensky stated. He also expressed hope for expanded joint weapons production and large-scale military assistance.
The president emphasized the importance of maintaining the commitments made at last year’s NATO Washington Summit, where strengthening Ukraine’s air defense was a key topic. “The decision of the Washington Summit last year is very important. It is important that this direction is not changing,” he said.
Zelensky also extended his gratitude to Ukraine’s international partners, particularly Secretary General Rutte for his consistent support and involvement. “I am very thankful for your participation and your personal involvement,” he added.
As reported by Ukrinform, during the NATO summit in Washington last July, the leaders of the United States, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and Romania pledged to transfer five strategic air defense systems—Patriot and SAMP/T—as well as dozens of tactical air defense systems to Ukraine.
On Tuesday, June 24, a two-day NATO summit opened in The Hague, with participants set to focus on three key priorities: increasing defense spending, expanding defense production, and sustaining military assistance to Ukraine.
