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Zelensky warns Ukraine may run out of air defence missiles due to Russian attacks

06.04.2024 21:00
President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a warning during his recent televised remarks, highlighting the looming possibility of Ukraine running out of its air defence missiles due to Russia's intense long-range bombing campaign.
A bomb crater at the scene of an overnight shelling attack in Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine, 06 April 2024, amid the Russian invasion. At least seven people were killed and eleven wounded in the rocket and drone attacks, according to officials.
A bomb crater at the scene of an overnight shelling attack in Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine, 06 April 2024, amid the Russian invasion. At least seven people were killed and eleven wounded in the rocket and drone attacks, according to officials.Photo: EPA/SERGEY KOZLOV

Zelensky emphasized the urgency of the situation, expressing concerns that if the current rate of attacks persists, Ukraine may exhaust its missile reserves.

"If they keep hitting (Ukraine ed.) every day the way they have for the last month, we might run out of missiles, and the partners know it," he said in an interview aired on Ukrainian television.

Zelensky’s warning underscores the escalating threat faced by Ukraine's air defence infrastructure, which has been under sustained assault from Russian forces launching missiles and drones at energy facilities, towns, and cities for weeks.

Ukraine's president singled out the critical need for US Patriot air defence systems, which have played a crucial role in countering Russian attacks, including ballistic and hypersonic missile strikes capable of hitting targets within minutes.

Zelensky also mentioned that his country would accept a US aid package in the form of a loan.

"We will agree to any options,” the Ukrainian president said in the interview, adding that the crucial aspect was that the aid arrived as soon as possible.

President Zelensky admitted that Ukraine does not have enough ammunition for a counteroffensive against Russia but has started to receive some for defensive purposes.

"We don't have shells for counteroffensive actions, as for the defence - there are several initiatives, and we're receiving weapons," the Ukrainian head of state said.

(ał)

Source: Reuters