Zelenskyy writes to Trump for urgent air defence help as we ‘rely on our friends’

US President Donald Trump has received a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding the lack of air defence missiles in Ukraine as Russia’s strikes continue to bombard the country

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has written to US President Donald Trump and Congress addressing the critical lack of air defence missiles in Ukraine, his communication advisor said, as Russia threatens more strikes on the country.

It comes as Ukraine is reportedly worried of shortages for the Patriot air defence system. Ukraine is currently only able to shoot down Russian ballistic missiles with US-made interceptors for the Patriot air defence system.

In the letter, seen by the Kyiv Independent, Zelenskyy wrote: “When it comes to air defence against missiles, we rely on our friends. When it comes to defending against ballistic missiles, we rely almost exclusively on the United States.

“The current pace of deliveries through the PURL program is no longer keeping up with the reality of the threat we face, I ask for your help in protecting Ukraine’s skies from Russian missiles.”

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