Zelenskyy urges Europe to establish air defense amid Russian bombings
- More than 3,500 drones and nearly 190 missiles have been used by Russia against Ukraine since early September.
- The assaults have primarily targeted civilian areas, causing injuries and damage to residential buildings in cities like Zaporizhzhia.
- Zelenskyy advocates for a unified European air defense system to counter Russian aggression and protect civilians.
In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on European nations to enhance their air defense capabilities as Russian forces continue to launch aggressive aerial assaults on civilian areas. Following a recent attack on the city of Zaporizhzhia, which resulted in injuries to 13 individuals, including two children, Zelenskyy expressed the need for an effective joint defense system. He highlighted the issue of aerial terrorism from Russia, stating that since the beginning of September, over 3,500 drones, nearly 190 missiles, and more than 2,500 aerial bombs have been deployed against Ukrainian targets. The bombardment in Zaporizhzhia struck over 20 residential buildings, igniting fires and compounding recovery efforts from previous attacks. Regional officials have described the escalating bombardment as deliberately targeting civilians to instill fear. As diplomatic attempts for a peace settlement remain stagnant, Zelenskyy reiterated the importance of collective air protection in Europe to mitigate threats from Russian military actions. Additionally, Ukrainian forces have responded by developing their own long-range drones to strike back at Russian targets, which include oil refineries and military installations vital to the war effort. The ongoing conflict has seen an increase in drone technology used by Russia, resulting in a substantial challenge for Ukrainian defenses. Zelenskyy called for investments and strong commitments from European partners to construct a multilayered air defense system that would safeguard the skies of all involved nations. European Union leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, have already begun discussing strategies for enhanced drone defenses and a proposed 'drone alliance' with Ukraine. Zelenskyy emphasized that the necessary technology is available, but it requires determination and financial backing from all allies. As tensions with Russia persist, strengthening air defense capabilities has become a priority for both Ukraine and its European partners.