Zelenskyy asks Western allies for help with missiles to protect Ukraine
Zelenskyy also said Ukraine is in talks with its allies about air defense, which would help protect cities and energy infrastructure | (Photo: Reuters)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appealed to Western allies – the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany – stressing that Ukraine urgently needs permission to access long-range weapons, including their vital long-range grenades and rockets to protect people.
Zelenskyy shared a post on X, saying: βAt the moment, a Ukrainian delegation consisting of the First Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Defense, representatives of the General Staff and the Head of the President’s Office is working in Washington.β
Zelenskyy further stressed that Ukraine’s top priority is to equip its armed forces with long-range weapons to prevent Russian terrorist attacks.
“There have been meetings at various levels and one of our top priorities is securing long-range capabilities for our armed forces. This is crucial to prevent the terror that our Kharkiv and other cities in Ukraine have to endure. Clearing Ukrainian airspace of Russian guided bombs is a powerful step to force Russia to end the war and seek a just peace,” Zelenskyy’s message said on Saturday.
He continued: “Our representatives have provided all the necessary information and details to our partners. I call on the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany – we need the means to fully and effectively protect Ukraine and its people. We need permission for long-range capabilities, as well as your long-range grenades and rockets. Taking these crucial decisions cannot be postponed – these are the actions that can have the most significant impact on the course of events.”
Zelenskyy also said that Ukraine is in talks with its allies about air defense, which would help protect cities and energy infrastructure.
“We are also discussing air defense with our partners – systems that are especially needed now, before the start of the school year, to provide greater security for Ukrainian children in schools, for our cities and our energy infrastructure. We have agreements with partners on air defense systems and missiles for these systems. It is crucial to implement everything as soon as possible,” the Ukrainian president said.
First publication: 01 Sep 2024 | 08:04 AM IST