In the wake of escalated Russian missile and bomb strikes pounding Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure, Ukraine has urgently appealed to NATO allies for greater air defense support. The call came during an extraordinary meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council at the ambassadors’ level convened at Kyiv’s request on 28 March.
Addressing the council after the latest Russian bombardment, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov directly urged NATO partners to supply additional air defense systems and munitions.
The recent missile barrages struck multiple urban centers, including the capital Kyiv as well as Kharkiv, Odesa, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia, inflicting damage on civilian areas.
According to Ukraine’s NATO mission, Umerov briefed the allies on the “consequences of the Russian attacks and the response measures taken by Ukraine.” He then explicitly called on NATO states to bolster Ukraine’s ability to defend its cities and population by providing reinforced air defense capabilities.
Recent attacks have targeted the Dnipro Hydroelectric Power Station, Kharkiv thermoelectric plant, and other infrastructure considered civilian objects under international law.
NATO countries have previously supplied Patriot missile batteries and other air defense assets to Ukraine. However, Kyiv deems greater coverage is required in light of Russia’s escalating aerial bombardment, as Ukraine suffers from ammunition shortage, with the US military aid stalled in Congress for months.
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