Zelenskyy Criticizes Missile Production Shortages
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed frustration on Monday, labeling it “ridiculous” that global missile production can’t keep pace with Ukraine’s defense needs, especially in light of the recent severe attacks from Russia.
Zelenskiy highlighted the unacceptable shortfall of defensive weapons, particularly U.S. Patriot missiles, urging manufacturers to increase output or even allow Ukraine to participate in production efforts.
“It’s completely absurd that, in today’s world, manufacturing hasn’t scaled up to what’s necessary to protect people from ballistic terrorism,” he stated during a speech after Moscow’s devastating assault on Kyiv.
In the recent attack, multiple waves of drones and missiles hit Ukraine, leading to at least 22 fatalities and around 60 injuries.
The president noted that Ukrainian forces managed to intercept six Russian Kalibr missiles and 31 out of 33 cruise missiles, indicating that proper capabilities could yield high interception rates.
“This suggests that our forces can achieve notable interception rates as long as the needed resources are available,” he shared on social media, explaining that the current issues stem from a lack of interceptors.
To address these shortages, Zelenskiy again proposed the idea of Ukraine being allowed to manufacture its own weapons, including the Patriot systems.
“If the United States permits us to produce Patriot missiles, we would have the capacity to adequately protect Ukraine and assist our partners,” he affirmed.
He added, “We’re in touch with global contacts who can supply air defense missiles. Securing these is our highest priority.” Zelenskiy cautioned that as long as the shortage persists, Moscow would continue targeting residential areas in Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine.
The most recent attack involved launching 68 missiles and 351 drones, part of an intensified bombing campaign aimed at Ukraine, resulting in at least eight confirmed deaths. This assault followed a coordinated attack earlier in the week that killed at least 31 people in the capital.
