Zelensky asks Europe to speed up supply of air defense systems to Ukraine

He stated this in his address to the European Council, reports Ukrinform.

"We must do everything possible to make it completely impossible for Russia to destroy our energy system with missiles and drones. We have already received a very effective IRIS-T system from Germany. I thank Mr. Chancellor for that. This German system protects not only Ukrainian skies. It protects European stability, limiting Russian terror, which strikes both our country and, in the future, your countries. But we need more air defense and anti-missile defense systems to create a truly reliable air shield," Zelensky said.

He said that some EU countries had already confirmed their participation in this work and called on them "to accelerate the implementation of decisions as much as possible."

"I am now turning to France, Italy, and our other partners – not only in Europe, but also in the United States of America. Not only to those who produce air defense and anti-missile defense systems, but also to those who have the necessary systems. The more protected Ukrainian skies are, the more stable life will be in all of Europe. We have to ensure it," Zelensky said.

He said that there is a new escalation in Russian terror and this requires that new steps be taken in response – "quick steps in solidarity, steps that will protect both Ukrainians and all Europeans."

Zelensky noted that European gas storage facilities are full, but, unfortunately, the very serious challenge of the price crisis, which Russia ignited and fuels to provoke social tension in European countries, still remains. According to him, this is Russia's calculated pressure on the family budget of every European family.

In addition, Zelensky recalled that attacks by Russian cruise missiles and Iranian combat drones have destroyed more than a third of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, thus making the country incapable of exporting electricity to Europe. In this regard, he also said that by doing this, Russia is provoking a new wave of migration of Ukrainians to the EU.

Since October 10, Russia has been carrying out massive strikes with missiles and kamikaze drones on the energy and civilian infrastructure of Ukraine.

Photo: President's Office