President Volodymyr Zelenskyj issued a stark warning over the weekend: Ukraine is on the brink of exhausting its missile supplies for air defense if Russia's relentless long-distance bombing campaign continues unabated.
This caution comes in the wake of persistent Russian bombardments targeting the Ukrainian energy grid and cities with a formidable array of missiles and drones, marking one of Zelenskyj's most grave alarms about the deteriorating state of Ukraine's air defense capabilities.
A Call for Help Amidst Unceasing Attacks
During an interview with Ukrainian television, Zelenskyj conveyed the gravity of the situation,
"If they keep hitting Ukraine every day, as they have been for the past month, we're going to run out of missiles, and our partners are aware of this."
Despite having sufficient air defense missile stocks for the time being, Ukraine faces tough decisions on prioritizing which stocks to protect.
The president highlighted the critical need for the Patriot air defense system, an advanced American setup crucial in defending against Russian ballistic and hypersonic missile attacks that can strike targets within minutes.
The Ammunition Gap Widens
Echoing Zelenskyj's concerns, Ukraine's Defense Chief, Oleksandr Syrskyj, indicated last week that the ammunition shortage has worsened, with Russia now holding a six-to-one advantage.
This alarming disparity was first revealed in an interview with the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform, illustrating the daunting challenges faced by Ukrainian forces as they strive to defend their country.
A Glimmer of Hope: Anticipated Aid from the U.S.
Amid these dire warnings, there is a beacon of hope. Zelenskyj expressed optimism about receiving a long-awaited substantial military aid package from the United States, confident that Congress will approve it through a vote.
"I still believe that we can achieve a positive outcome from a vote in the U.S. Congress," he stated. This upcoming aid package, crucial for Ukraine's continued resistance, has been mired in a bitter political struggle between Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. Congress.
However, the U.S. NATO Ambassador, Julianne Smith, is hopeful for a resolution, emphasizing a "laser focus" on ensuring Ukraine receives the essential ammunition and air defense capabilities it critically needs.
