“Ukraine needs more defense systems,” he said on the short message service X and once again published a video of the severe destruction in various parts of the country.
According to Zelensky, there were also around 30 attacks with rockets and cruise missiles as well as around 500 drone attacks in the past week, including more than 50 on Sunday night alone. Most of the attacks were directed against civil and critical infrastructure – such as energy systems.
“All of these attacks would have been impossible if we had had sufficient support from the world in crucial areas,” Zelensky said. He cited as examples long-range weapons for strikes against targets in the Russian hinterland and “really effective sanctions to prevent Russia from importing key components for drone and missile production – especially microelectronics.” Zelensky emphasized: “Ukraine deserves the same strong security as all our partners in the free world.”
The country has been defending itself against the Russian war of aggression for more than two and a half years. Ukraine is dependent on Western military aid.
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**Interview with John Smith, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, John. Recent reports indicate that Ukraine’s President Zelensky is sounding alarms about the need for increased defense systems. What feedback can you provide on his statements regarding the escalation of attacks?
**John Smith:** Thank you for having me. President Zelensky’s comments reflect a pressing reality for Ukraine. The recent escalation he mentioned—over 500 drone attacks and numerous missile strikes—underscores the severity of the threat they face. It’s particularly concerning that these attacks are targeting civilian infrastructure, which suggests a strategy aimed at not just military degradation but also at crippling everyday life for Ukrainians.
**Interviewer:** Zelensky emphasized the need for long-range missiles and effective sanctions against Russia. How critical are these requests in the current geopolitical climate?
**John Smith:** Extremely critical. Long-range missiles would provide Ukraine with the capability to strike deeper into Russian territory, potentially deterring further aggression. The effectiveness of sanctions must also be considered; by cutting Russia off from acquiring essential components, including those for drones and missiles, the international community can significantly weaken Russia’s military manufacturing capabilities. This double-edged approach of enhancing Ukraine’s offensive capabilities while constraining Russia’s will be key.
**Interviewer:** Zelensky mentioned the importance of security for Ukraine, akin to that of its allies. What do you think this could mean for NATO and EU relations moving forward?
**John Smith:** Zelensky’s emphasis on equal security signifies a strong call for enhanced military support from NATO and EU members. It could lead to a reevaluation of the type and quantity of support being provided. Allies may need to consider more than just humanitarian aid and training; this situation may necessitate changes in military policy, including a reevaluation of arms supply lines and mutual defense commitments.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, considering that Ukraine has been defending itself for over two and a half years, what do you think the international community’s response should be to Zelensky’s concerns?
**John Smith:** The international community must recognize that this conflict is not just about Ukraine; it is about the global order and the rules governing nations’ behaviors. There should be a unified response that includes military, economic, and diplomatic strategies to back Ukraine. Continued support can help stabilize the region and send a strong message to aggressors worldwide.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, John. They provide a crucial context for understanding the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
**John Smith:** Thank you for having me!