Zelenski Urges NATO for Urgent Air Defense Support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski called for urgent support from NATO allies for air defense systems during a NATO summit in Ankara. This appeal follows two significant Russian missile strikes on Kyiv that resulted in the deaths of 50 civilians.

Zelenski is expected to meet with Donald Trump, arguing that Russia's brutal attacks reflect weakness rather than strength from President Vladimir Putin. He highlighted the need for greater support to shield Ukrainian cities and acknowledged that ballistic missiles remain a major challenge despite Ukraine's success in intercepting Russian drones.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged member states to ensure Ukraine receives the necessary support to defend its sovereignty. Zelenski insisted that European allies release their Patriot missile stockpiles and expressed hope for developing advanced air defense systems with NATO's assistance, aiming to maintain pressure on Russia to engage in peace talks without requiring Ukraine to surrender its eastern Donbas region.