Beyond Patriot: Why Ukraine is pushing Europe to build its own missile shield
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is urging European nations to rapidly expand their own production of anti-ballistic missile systems. He argues that Europe can no longer rely solely on the United States for defense against Russian missile attacks.
Why it matters
It highlights a significant shift in European defense strategy and the ongoing strain on Western military resources during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Another night, another barrage. As Russia launched fresh waves of ballistic missiles and drones at Kyiv, Ukraine's air defences were once again put to the test.Zelenskyy, speaking in his nightly video address, said Ukraine needed its allies to ensure weapons supplies were provided more promptly."I am preparing changes in Ukraine's diplomatic efforts. We need a new level of cooperation with our partners to ensure that agreements on arms supplies are fulfilled," Zelenskyy said.Ukraine is critically low on munitions for its Patriot air defence systems and has been largely unable to down ballistic missiles, which travel at several times the speed of sound, over the past month.While many drones and cruise missiles can be intercepted by a range of air-defence systems, ballistic missiles remain the most dangerous threat, requiring highly advanced and increasingly scarce interceptor missiles.For Zelenskyy, these repeated attacks have reinforced a message he has been delivering to European leaders…
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