An urgent message has reached Washington from the Ukrainian leader. President Volodymyr Zelensky sent a letter to Donald Trump, openly warning of a critical depletion of air defense stockpiles. This is not merely a shortage of equipment, but a systemic crisis that could leave Ukraine's skies defenseless against a new wave of Russian attacks.
The document, now public, paints a worrying picture: Ukraine is almost entirely dependent on American aid for protection against ballistic missiles. "When it comes to defense against ballistic threats, we rely almost exclusively on the United States," Zelensky states directly in his address.
Critical Deficit and Air Defense Threats
The situation is exacerbated by the escalation of hostilities. Russia is not only increasing the number of strikes but is also openly threatening new massive attacks on Kyiv, targeting so-called "decision-making centers." Ukrainian authorities fear that current stockpiles of Patriot interceptors and other Western systems may be insufficient to repel the next large-scale strike.
One senior official, who wished to remain anonymous, described the situation as "extremely complex" in the context of missile defense. The problem is compounded by the slowing of deliveries under the PURL program, which allowed NATO allies to finance the purchase of American weapons for Ukraine. Zelensky states directly: current delivery rates no longer match the reality of the threat.
Diplomatic Race and New Threats
Ukraine's Ambassador to the US, Olga Stefanishyna, has already launched an active campaign to distribute this letter among key figures in the White House and Congress, including House Speaker Mike Johnson. The goal is clear: to convince Washington to maintain engagement and allocate additional Patriot PAC-3 systems.
The backdrop for these negotiations is grim. In just one night on May 24, Russia launched 90 missiles and 600 drones at Ukraine. In response to a Ukrainian strike on a target in occupied Luhansk, Moscow announced new mass attacks, and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, in a conversation with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, even called for the evacuation of the US Embassy from Kyiv.
Despite the pressure, Zelensky maintains firmness in his message. He asserts that protecting Ukraine's skies is possible, but it requires immediate assistance and the political will of the American leadership.