Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has written to Donald Trump and the U.S. Congress, warning that Ukraine relies almost exclusively on the United States for critical ballistic missile defense systems.
Zelensky’s Plea for Protection
In a letter obtained by the Kyiv Independent, President Volodymyr Zelensky formally requested continuous support from the U.S. President and Congress. He specifically asked for Patriot PAC-3 batteries and additional systems to shield Ukraine from escalating Russian rocket attacks.
Dmytro Lytwyn, a communications advisor to the Ukrainian president, confirmed the dispatch of the letter. The move comes in response to intensifying Russian aerial assaults and explicit threats from the Kremlin to strike what it terms “decision-making centers” in Kyiv.
Reliance on U.S. Systems
Zelensky acknowledged the precarious state of his nation’s defenses, stating that while Ukraine relies on various allies for general air defense, the protection against ballistic missiles depends almost exclusively on the United States. Officials warn that depleted stocks of Patriot interceptors may soon become insufficient to counter continued bombardments.
Challenges in Supply Chains
The letter highlights growing concerns regarding the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) program, which facilitates the financing of American weapons. Zelensky noted that the current pace of deliveries no longer matches the reality of the threat, urging immediate action to safeguard Ukrainian airspace.
Ukraine currently faces a severe shortage of PAC-3 missiles due to massive Russian attacks over the winter, limited U.S. manufacturing capacity, and competing demand from the Middle East. The Patriot system remains the only effective countermeasure against Russian ballistic and hypersonic missiles.
Escalating Tensions and Diplomatic Warnings
During a massive assault on May 24, Russia deployed 600 drones and 90 missiles against Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force reported intercepting 604 targets, including 55 missiles and 549 drones.
Following Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s notice to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding planned systematic strikes on military-linked targets in Kyiv, the Russian Foreign Ministry advised foreign nationals and diplomatic missions to evacuate. Polish diplomatic spokesperson Maciej Wewiór confirmed that a contingency plan for Polish diplomats is in place, and on May 26, Russia’s ambassador to Poland, Gieorgij Michno, was summoned to the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to face demands for an immediate end to the aggression.