Europe delays air defence missile deliveries, Zelenskyy explains why
Ukraine is currently unable to manufacture missiles for foreign air defence systems on its own or together with European partners.
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Ukraine receives an insufficient number of air defence missiles / © Getty Images
Russia deliberately intimidated European partners by flying drones over some countries, seeking to force them to hold back missiles for foreign air defence systems ahead of winter attacks on Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this while answering questions from journalists in a chat hosted by the Office of the President.
He said Ukraine is still not receiving the full volumes of missiles it needs, which “partners are holding back and not delivering”.
“Even so, I am grateful — we are receiving some shipments,” the Ukrainian leader added.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine is still unable to manufacture missiles for foreign air defence systems on its own or together with European partners because it lacks the necessary licence. He said he had raised the issue with both the previous and the current U.S. administrations.
“I raised this issue: give us the capabilities, give us the licences, let us produce with Poland or Romania — with whomever you choose. Production can be partially shared. But there is still no such decision. That is why we are looking, buying and receiving assistance,” the Ukrainian president said.