Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that Russia's "last argument" in the war is now ballistic missiles. Zelenskiy emphasized that his country needs stronger air defense and long-term security financing.
Hosting the first meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council in Kyiv, Zelenskiy reported that contacts with allies covered the PURL program, joint weapons production, and permanent financial guarantees. According to him, timely support could steer Moscow towards a "just and honorable peace."
Highlights
- Zelenskiy said Russia's strongest trump card in the war is ballistic missiles.
- He called for more effective air defense for Ukraine.
- He stated that contributions to the PURL program continue.
- He said joint weapons production has increased Ukraine's defense capacity.
- Long-term financial security and new support mechanisms were on the agenda.
He drew attention to the ballistic missile threat
Zelenskiy said Russia targets Ukrainian cities, critical infrastructure, and defense industry with increasing missile and drone attacks. He stated these attacks have become a decisive pressure factor in the course of the war.
Zelenskiy noted that 23 people lost their lives in a large attack carried out overnight, including children. In the same attack, more than 650 drones were used at night and about 100 additional drones during the day.
According to the Ukrainian leader, the most dangerous element is ballistic missiles due to their speed and destructive effects. He said drone attacks also pose a serious threat, but missile capacity creates a separate danger.
Defense and financing talks with NATO
Zelenskiy said that in his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, accelerating the PURL program and increasing contributions to it were discussed. He stated that contributions arrived in May and new contributions are expected in June.
The Ukrainian leader also thanked the countries involved in joint production projects.
The meeting covered not only arms supply but also steps that could provide longer-term financial security. Zelenskiy said these efforts will continue at the G7 summit and the NATO summit in Ankara.
Message of unity in Kyiv
Zelenskiy described the participation of ambassadors and defense officials in the Kyiv meeting as a deliberate message of unity, arguing that it shows the support of Europe, the USA, Canada, and other partners for Ukraine. According to him, this broad representation creates pressure not only for Ukraine's security but also to end Russia's aggression.
Zelenskiy announced that six countries decided to contribute to PURL in June. He emphasized that the continuation of this support is critical for Ukraine's defense capacity.
Effects of the war on the front and logistics
Zelenskiy said Russia has not achieved major results on the front, while Ukrainian forces have maintained strong positions along the line and gradually reclaimed some occupied areas. He also stated that Russia did not achieve significant success on the front in May.
The Ukrainian leader said Russian losses are between 30,000 and 35,000 soldiers monthly, about two-thirds of whom are dead and more than one-third seriously wounded. He argued that this situation weakens Russia's occupying force day by day.
Zelenskiy also said Russia faces fuel shortages in temporarily occupied regions and some parts of Russia's center, and there are serious disruptions in logistics. He suggested this pressure forces the Kremlin to choose between diplomacy and new losses.
Delay problem in Patriot systems
Zelenskiy said the war in the Middle East seriously affected the number of PAC-3 missiles Ukraine received. He explained this not by lack of money but by supply pressure caused by the war.
Ukraine tries to cover this shortage with its own production where possible, but PAC-3 cannot be fully replaced. He said an agreement was made in 2025 with American defense manufacturers for new Patriot systems and additional missile shipments, but deliveries cannot start before 2030 due to backlog orders.
Therefore, Zelenskiy said Ukraine is also seeking alternatives with other countries, painting a picture that the war continues not only on the front but also in production lines and supply chains.
