Zelensky urges faster air defense deliveries after deadly Russian strike

According to Ukrinform, Zelensky made the remarks while speaking to journalists in Kyiv's Darnytskyi district near a residential building destroyed in Russia's latest attack.

"We need the appropriate defense package. We need these missiles. We are doing everything possible to apply pressure and reach agreements. There are countries with which we have reached agreements and to which we have already transferred funds through the PURL mechanism. Separately, outside the PURL framework, we have an agreement with Norway. I won't say where, but it involved a commitment to finance 200 missiles, and not a single one has arrived so far," Zelensky said.

Asked whether Ukraine has enough PAC-3 missiles to counter attacks involving more than 70 ballistic missiles, the president replied: "We simply do not have that number."

He noted that Ukraine operates a large number of different air defense systems capable of intercepting cruise missiles.

"But only Patriots can intercept ballistic missiles," Zelensky stressed.

In this context, the President underscored the importance of developing a European anti-ballistic missile program, specifically referring to the joint Freyja ground-based air defense system project.

"As for the Freyja program, we are expected to hold a meeting on this initiative during the NATO Summit. After that, we should know the date of a leaders' meeting dedicated specifically to the Freyja program. I don't have a date yet, but we very much want that meeting to take place in July or August. I believe that is what will happen," Zelensky said, adding that there is no time to waste and that it is essential to "move quickly."

As reported by Ukrinform, the death toll from Russia's latest large-scale combined missile and drone attack on Kyiv has risen to 22, with emergency response operations continuing at seven locations across the capital. Search-and-rescue efforts remain underway at two sites in the Darnytskyi district, including the scene of a destroyed nine-story apartment building and nearby private homes.