President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday urged European partners to bolster Ukraine’s ballistic missile defences and expedite the acquisition of American weaponry to force Russia toward a diplomatic end to the conflict.
Addressing supporters at NATO headquarters in Brussels, the Ukrainian leader asserted that Kyiv possesses the necessary resources to ensure diplomacy becomes Moscow’s “only choice,” provided international aid remains robust.
“We all see that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is now relying on one lasting thing: constant missile attacks,” Zelensky noted, highlighting the Kremlin’s use of ballistic missiles as a primary tactic. “So we need anti-ballistic capabilities”.
The visit followed what Zelensky described as a constructive meeting with US President Donald Trump during the G7 summit. He said the American president is “very clear” about ramping up pressure on Russia to conclude the “terrible war” affecting Ukraine and the wider European continent.
Zelensky specifically requested that European nations fast-track the procurement of weaponry – particularly Patriot air defence missiles – through an established programme for US arms. He also identified requirements for long-range artillery and unmanned ground vehicles.
Stressing that “timing matters,” the President called for the immediate implementation of pending contribution decisions by allied nations. “Please let us implement these decisions as quickly as possible,” he said.
In a show of support, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands have indicated their readiness to fund two additional packages of US-made equipment, projected to be worth $1 billion.
Strategic window Pentagon official Elbridge Colby emphasised the importance of continued and increased support from NATO allies to ensure that “key material” reaches the front lines through US procurement channels.
Western backers believe the current situation presents a “limited window of opportunity” as Ukrainian forces regain momentum on the battlefield and strike back at Russian targets with long-range assets.
British Defence Minister Dan Jarvis praised the “incredible determination” of Ukrainian troops. “They are counting on us to help keep them going,” Jarvis said, adding that the international community “cannot and will not let them down”.
