Zelensky expects massive Russian attacks ahead of NATO summit in Ankara

State of air defenses

Zelensky pointed to the urgent need for additional air defense systems. "Every delay in delivering missiles for our air defense and for the Patriot systems costs lives and encourages Russia to continue the war," he warned. "The world does indeed have the necessary quantity and quality of air defense systems." The decision on this rests "of course primarily with the USA, with the powerful in Europe and in the world."

The background to the concern is the precarious situation of Ukrainian air defenses. Patriot systems are considered by Ukrainian sources to be the only effective means against Russian missiles. While Ukrainian defenses achieve a comparatively high hit rate against drones and cruise missiles, they are largely powerless against ballistic missiles. As early as spring, Zelensky had publicly complained that Ukraine had almost no ammunition left for Patriot systems.

Political dimension

The situation on the global market for Patriot interceptor missiles is tight. The US war against Iran has further depleted global stocks of Patriot interceptors. Against this backdrop, Zelensky had recently raised the possibility of producing Patriot systems in Ukraine itself. European production in Ukraine is also being considered.

Politically, the Patriot issue is adding further fuel to the fire. In Poland, a dispute has erupted over the delivery of Patriot missiles to Ukraine. The NATO summit, taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday in the Turkish capital Ankara, is seen as a possible platform for decisions on further military aid. US President Donald Trump plans, according to his own statements, to meet with Zelensky on the sidelines of the summit and has already held a phone call with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin.

Diplomatic efforts and military situation

Parallel to the military developments, diplomatic efforts are underway for a ceasefire limited to the exchange of fallen soldiers' bodies. Russia had proposed such a pause, but Kyiv rejected the offer. The Kremlin also declined a proposal from Zelensky for talks regarding the city of Kostiantynivka.

Despite the tense situation, Ukraine also reported military successes. Zelensky praised the Ukrainian naval forces for military successes in the fight against Russia on the Black Sea. Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, responded to fuel supply bottlenecks in Russia, which are interpreted as a consequence of Western sanctions and targeted Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries.

The coming days are considered decisive for the further course of the fighting. Zelensky issued an urgent appeal to partner countries to strengthen Ukrainian air defenses. With the NATO summit in Ankara approaching, the pressure on Ukraine is mounting to obtain concrete commitments for additional Patriot deliveries.