Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sent an official letter to U.S. President Donald Trump and Congressional leaders, warning about the growing deficit of the country's air defense (AD) systems, particularly ballistic missile capabilities. This was reported by the Kyiv Independent, citing a copy of the document that has come into its possession:
Strategic Dependency and Threats Kyiv's appeal follows an escalation of massive air strikes by Russia against Ukraine's energy and civilian infrastructure. Moscow has publicly threatened a new wave of long-range strikes, also targeting facilities that the Russian side calls "centers of decision-making in Ukraine":
"When it comes to air defense against missiles, we rely on our friends. And when it comes to defending against ballistic missiles, we almost exclusively rely on the United States," Zelensky's message states.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the Ukrainian side is seriously concerned that limited stocks of 'Patriot' type interceptors and other Western systems will not be sufficient to withstand Russia's intense bombings.
Slowdown of Supply Mechanisms The letter also addresses issues arising within the framework of the "Ukraine's Priority Requirements List" (PURL) program. This mechanism allows NATO allies to finance the purchase of American weapons for Ukraine, but the current pace, according to Kyiv, does not match the level of threats.
The Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S., Olga Stefanishyna, has already delivered the letter to the White House, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, and other key members of Congress. The Ukrainian president has urged the American leadership to remain engaged and help ensure the immediate supply of "Patriot PAC-3" missiles and additional systems.
