Ukraine's partners do not provide enough air defense to protect against Russian missile attacks, although they have 100 Patriot systems with us. in their own arsenals. This was stated by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, quoted by "Reuters".
He indicated that he would raise the issue of the Patriot air defense systems. at each of the meetings with NATO colleagues over the next two days in Brussels.
In recent weeks, Russia has intensified attacks on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure, exacerbating Kiev's urgent need for protection.
"The partners have indeed provided us with their various air defense systems, we appreciate that, but it is simply insufficient given the scale of the war," Kuleba stressed.
He noted that Ukraine's partners have more than 100 Patriot systems, but so far have been unwilling to share even five to seven more - the number Kiev says is the minimum needed to provide significant additional protection.
"Is it such a big deal? Is it not possible to give Ukraine the minimum requested?", Kuleba expressed bewilderment.
Earlier today, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Russia launched more than 3,000 guided aerial bombs, 600 drones and 400 missiles against Ukraine in March alone.
Kuleba specified that the Russian attacks last month included 94 ballistic missiles, which are much faster and harder to shoot down than the more commonly used cruise missiles.
"Come on guys. I mean... this happens to us every day," Kuleba fumes, summarizing his message to Ukraine's allies. "And the solution is there. It is simply a matter of political will. So someone has to make that decision".
The minister indicated that it is not clear to him why the allies have not yet provided Kiev with additional Patriot systems, especially since they themselves do not face the missile threat that Ukraine faces every day.
In his words, such support will help Russia be defeated and prevent a larger war across Europe.
"When I say that Europe will be at war and rockets will fall on Brussels and other European cities, I am not exaggerating. All this will happen if Ukraine does not win the war against Russia", he warned.
"So the best way to keep your Patriots from intercepting missiles (over your countries) and save your soldiers from dying is to send your Patriots to Ukraine and give the Ukrainian soldiers everything they need," Kuleba summed up.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has already stated that Moscow has no interest in invading other European countries.
Kuleba made his remarks as NATO foreign ministers meet to discuss how to put military support for Ukraine on a longer-term footing.
Asked about NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg's proposal to create a five-year fund of 100 billion euros for Ukraine, Kuleba said he welcomed the aid, but it should represent new funds and not redirect previous commitments.
p>In his words, the Alliance has struggled to raise 500 million euros for a comprehensive aid package to reform and equip Ukraine's armed forces, so an increase to 20 billion a year would be "huge" effort.
If this particular initiative becomes a reality, we must be sure that it will be another 100 billion, he insisted.