Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has explained that some air defense systems, including Patriot PAC-3 missiles, are being “a bit held back” by allies. It is happening amid Russia's widespread drone attacks on Europe.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has moved from a strategy of conquering Ukraine to a strategy of its destruction, The Economist reports. His goal is to split the country in half and then into islands to make Russia's attacks on Ukraine more efficient.
“We are receiving help, but not the full volumes needed for complete defense,” Zelenskyy says.
Reason for the delay: Europe's security concerns
According to the president, Russia’s attacks aim to test the effectiveness of European air defense systems.
As a result, Europe is slightly restraining deliveries before winter to maintain reserves in case of new Russian strikes.
Ukraine aims for domestic missile production
Zelenskyy added that Ukraine aims to produce missiles for NASAMS, IRIS-T, Hawk, and Patriot systems, either independently or in collaboration with European partners.
“We have proposed producing them with the Poles or Romanians, splitting production. As there’s no decision yet, we continue to seek, purchase, and receive assistance,” the Ukrainian president said.
Patriot missile systems are the only weapons Ukraine possesses that are capable of downing Russia's ballistic missiles.
