Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is calling on Europe to develop its own air defense systems and urging the United States to provide more Patriot missile support, following a massive Russian drone and missile barrage that killed at least 13 people and injured 100 others.
"Europe needs its own anti-ballistic defence so that this war can finally be brought to an end. And assistance from the United States in supplying missiles for Patriot systems is absolutely necessary," Zelenskyy wrote on X.
The Ukrainian air force reported Russia launched 73 missiles and 656 drones, of which Kyiv intercepted 40 missiles and 602 drones. Zelenskyy warned that without protection, these attacks will continue.
Foreign Minister Andrii Shyiiba called President Vladimir Putin a "war criminal and loser" running out of military options, adding that Moscow is losing on the battlefield.
The strikes have dimmed peace prospects following a brief US-mediated three-day ceasefire last month, which was marred by violations on both sides.