Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appealed directly to President Donald Trump and members of Congress for additional Patriot missile interceptors, warning that Ukraine’s air defenses are struggling to withstand a growing wave of Russian ballistic missile strikes.
According to Politico, Zelenskyy sent a letter Tuesday describing the worsening situation after Russia launched more than 90 missiles over the weekend in one of the war’s heaviest bombardments.
“For us — for a nation fighting for its survival — there is hardly anything more painful to see than Patriot batteries with no missiles loaded,” Zelenskyy wrote. “I ask for your help in protecting Ukraine’s skies from Russian missiles.”
Zelenskyy acknowledged that demand for Patriot missile systems has surged globally because of escalating tensions and military operations in the Middle East. He also indicated agreement with Trump’s long-held argument that European countries should shoulder more responsibility for regional defense.
In the letter, Zelenskyy described Russian ballistic missiles as one of President Vladimir Putin’s final significant military advantages in the conflict.
“They can be intercepted,” he added. “With Patriots. With your help. And you have the power to help.”
American-made PAC-3 interceptor missiles, which are used in Patriot defense batteries, remain Ukraine’s most effective tool for shooting down incoming Russian ballistic missiles.
The Trump administration has reportedly slowed the transfer of additional Patriot interceptors to Kyiv as U.S. allies in the Middle East continue consuming large quantities of the missiles during ongoing regional conflicts.
Last week, however, the United States Department of State approved a proposed $108.1 million assistance package aimed at sustaining Ukraine’s current HAWK missile defense systems.
The proposed package includes replacement components, engineering assistance, software maintenance, and technical support designed to keep the systems functioning.
In a statement, the State Department said the sale would advance “the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political and economic stability in Europe.”
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has formally notified Congress about the proposed transaction, though lawmakers still must approve the deal before it can move forward.
Russia currently occupies roughly one-fifth of Ukrainian territory after more than four years of fighting. Still, Moscow’s recent advances have slowed considerably, and some military assessments indicate Russian forces have suffered net territorial setbacks in recent months.
The war has exacted devastating costs on both sides. Estimates place Russian military casualties above one million, while Ukraine has endured tens of thousands of combat deaths.
The conflict has also devastated Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and forced millions of Ukrainians from their homes.
{Matzav.com}
First he tried to bully Israel into giving him weapons and money, and now the USA.
For crying out loud, can’t he see we’re all trying to fight wars here?
Wait in line, dude.