Zelenskyy Urges Europe to Create Unified Defense System, Cites Patriot Missile Shortage
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urged Europe to create a unified defense system, leveraging Ukraine's experience. He also highlighted a critical shortage of Patriot missiles and called for rapid funding from a €90 billion EU support package. Zelenskyy pressed for Ukraine's faster EU integration to bolster European security.
During the Cyprus summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Europe to establish a comprehensive defense system to protect borders, infrastructure, and counter drone threats. He emphasized Ukraine's unique battlefield experience and its readiness to integrate into a unified European security architecture.
Zelenskyy thanked the EU for its 20th sanctions package against Russia and expressed Ukraine's expectation for the first tranche from a €90 billion support package soon. These funds are designated for military procurement, including air defense systems, winter preparedness, and energy system protection. He noted the frontline situation has stabilized, with Russia losing 30,000–35,000 soldiers monthly, and stressed the need to intensify pressure for diplomacy.
The President highlighted a critical shortage of Patriot air defense system missiles due to global conflicts, urging support for their procurement. He mentioned Ukraine's cooperation with Middle Eastern and Gulf countries on drone and air defense technologies, including protection against Shahed drones and maritime threats. Ukraine proposes a similar integrated model for Europe, covering borders, coastal zones, critical infrastructure, and airspace, and urged accelerating the SAFE program and creating a joint European mechanism against drones.
Zelenskyy also urged the EU to unlock negotiation clusters for Ukraine’s accession process by May, arguing that faster integration would prevent Russian attempts to weaken Europe and block EU enlargement.