Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has again urged Western partners to provide an air defense system. He conveyed the request through the social network X, appealing for protection across Ukraine from the capital to regions far to the east and south. He emphasized that with sufficient political will from international partners, such a capability could be delivered and deployed to reinforce Ukrainian defenses in cities and frontline areas alike.
Earlier, Deputy Defense Minister Ivan Gavrilyuk noted a significant shortage of ammunition reserves across multiple categories in Ukraine. He also highlighted a growing interest in receiving F-16 aircraft, which would enhance the operational reach of Ukrainian defense forces on the battlefield. Beyond aircraft, there is an acute need for improved air defense systems, longer-range missiles, and modern electronic warfare capabilities, including advanced 155 mm artillery shells to sustain sustained operations.
Bloomberg reported at the end of January that Ukrainian forces are contending with artillery shell shortages, driven by gaps in the supply of artillery and missile ammunition for air defense systems as the pace of shipments from the United States and European Union slows. This bottleneck has implications for frontline stamina and strategic options as Ukraine seeks to deter and respond to ongoing threats.
There were reports from the United States indicating that Ukraine’s stocks of air defense systems were diminishing at a pace that could necessitate prioritizing certain missiles for specific sectors of operations in the near term. These dynamics underscore the urgency of securing reliable and timely replenishments to sustain protective capabilities and battlefield resilience.
Earlier assessments from the United States recognized Ukraine’s defensive capabilities, noting that continued support would be pivotal to maintaining deterrence and defense effectiveness amid intense regional pressures. The evolving supply chain and military aid landscape remain central to Kyiv’s planning as authorities weigh how to optimize defense resources under shifting geopolitical conditions. (Cited: Bloomberg, January 2025; US defense and intelligence assessments, early 2025)