Ukraine has yet to receive 6-7 air defense systems promised by NATO countries during the Alliance summit this summer to ensure the protection of its skies. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview with representatives of leading media outlets from Northern European countries.
According to him, NATO countries announced before the July summit in Washington that they do not plan to admit Ukraine into the Alliance while the full-scale war continues. Instead, they proposed to strengthen air defense.
"They said they are not ready to take more decisive steps in this direction. But they are willing to provide us, for example, with six or seven specific systems that will protect our skies," Zelensky noted.
The head of state added that these two aspects—NATO membership and strengthening air defense—should not be compared, but Ukraine accepted the proposal. The president emphasized that air defense systems are critically important for Ukraine, and rejecting such an opportunity would pose a risk.
Zelensky reported that Ukraine and its partners agreed on air defense supplies by September 1, but by October 30, the necessary number of systems had still not been delivered. He pointed out that the country was counting on this support before the third winter, which is expected to involve power outages and other "challenges."
"If we have not received this support by now, we cannot expect this significant air defense support during the already commenced heating season," Zelensky summarized.
Recall that whether the West will send troops to Ukraine due to North Korean soldiers: Zelensky's response. Ukraine will not demand the presence of Western troops in the war, despite the involvement of North Korean military on the side of Russia.