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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed to NATO allies to urgently strengthen his country’s air defence capabilities, warning that Kyiv cannot effectively shield its civilians from an increasing wave of Russian ballistic missile strikes without additional international support.
Addressing leaders at the NATO summit in Ankara on Tuesday, Zelensky said Ukraine possesses the ability to manage many aspects of its defence but remains heavily dependent on partners for advanced missile interception systems capable of countering Russia’s growing aerial assaults.
His plea follows two major missile barrages on the Ukrainian capital within a week that struck residential buildings and reportedly left more than 50 civilians dead.
Ukrainian officials say the attacks highlight the urgent need for more advanced air defence equipment as ballistic missiles continue to evade existing protection.
On the sidelines of the summit, Zelensky is expected to meet US President Donald Trump, where he plans to argue that Moscow’s intensified bombardment reflects mounting pressure rather than military superiority.
He hopes to secure stronger backing for efforts aimed at compelling the Kremlin to enter meaningful peace negotiations.
While Russia has intensified missile attacks, Ukraine has expanded its own long-range drone campaign, targeting Russian oil refineries, military facilities and energy infrastructure.
The strikes have reportedly disrupted fuel supplies and electricity services in several parts of Russia.
Moscow authorities said overnight air defence systems intercepted the majority of hundreds of Ukrainian drones launched toward the Russian capital. However, officials did not immediately provide details on the scale of damage caused.
Meanwhile, reports circulating on Russian social media showed long queues at petrol stations, with residents scrambling for limited fuel supplies following repeated attacks on energy facilities.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged alliance members to increase military assistance to Ukraine, stressing that Kyiv requires sustained support to defend its sovereignty and maintain momentum on the battlefield.
Although Ukrainian forces continue to intercept most Russian drones, ballistic missiles remain a significant challenge because of their speed and the limited availability of US-made Patriot missile defence systems.
Zelensky has repeatedly called on European governments to release additional Patriot interceptors from their stockpiles, arguing that unused systems should instead be deployed to save civilian lives.
He also reiterated Ukraine’s ambition to develop its own advanced air defence technology with NATO’s assistance.
Ukraine believes its drone operations inside Russia are placing increasing pressure on the Kremlin by disrupting critical infrastructure and exposing weaknesses in Russian air defences.
Recent strikes have reportedly reached targets deep inside Russian territory, including an oil refinery in Omsk, thousands of kilometres from the Ukrainian border.
Drone operations have also intensified in Crimea, where repeated attacks on logistics centres, power facilities and fuel infrastructure have triggered shortages and emergency measures.
Kyiv maintains that sustained military pressure, combined with continued international assistance, could force Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in negotiations acceptable to Ukraine, while rejecting Moscow’s demand that it relinquish control of the eastern Donbas region.
Ukrainian officials say securing additional interceptor missiles before the onset of winter remains one of Kyiv’s highest priorities as it seeks to better protect its population while pursuing an end to the conflict through diplomacy backed by military strength.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong