President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sent an urgent letter to former US President Donald Trump about the critical shortage of missile defence systems in Ukraine. The letter emphasises the urgent need for additional Patriot systems amid increased Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian cities. The letter is also addressed to the US Congress with a request to speed up the delivery of weapons through the PURL programme.
Briefly about the main points
- Zelensky sent a letter to Trump about the lack of air defence systems in Ukraine
- Of particular concern is the lack of Patriot missile systems
- Russia plans new large-scale missile attacks on Kyiv
- Ukraine asks to speed up deliveries through PURL programme
Zelenskyy's letter to Trump on air defence deficit
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent an email Donald Trump, in which he warned of an acute shortage of missile defence systems in Ukraine. The situation with Patriot missile defence systems, which Ukraine relies on almost exclusively for ballistic missile defence, is particularly critical. The letter is also being distributed to high-ranking US officials, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson.
The threat of new Russian missile attacks
Russia intensified its massive air attacks on Ukraine, using hundreds of missiles and drones. On 24 May, Ukrainian aviation recorded the launch of 90 missiles and 600 drones. Moscow announced plans for a new wave of long-term missile strikes on Kyiv, calling them a response to Ukrainian strikes on the occupied territories.
Challenges in the supply of arms through the PURL programme
Zelenskyy's letter notes that the pace of arms deliveries through the programme Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) do not match the scale of the threat. The Ukrainian side calls on the US and NATO to step up funding and supplies to maintain the ability to defend the skies from Russian missiles.
The US role in Ukraine's missile defence
Ukraine relies on US assistance to ensure Patriot systems, as it is a key tool to stop missile attacks. Zelenskyy is asking not only for PAC-3s, but also for other systems that can counter Russian terror. This request underscores the strategic importance of American support for the security of Ukraine's skies.
Ukraine's response and further steps
On 16 April, Zelenskyy instructed the commander of the Air Force Mykola Oleshchuk to immediately contact partners who had promised to supply Patriot. This was a response to the critical level of air defence stocks in Ukraine. At the same time, Russian threats and public statements, including from Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, point to a further escalation of the conflict and the need to strengthen defence.
