Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sent an urgent letter to U.S. President Donald Trump and members of Congress, warning of a critical shortage of air defense interceptors capable of countering ballistic missiles. According to a report by the Kyiv Independent, Ukraine is currently “relying almost exclusively on the United States” for protection against Russian ballistic strikes. The direct appeal highlights Kyiv’s mounting anxiety over the sluggish pace of weapon deliveries under the PURL program and the immediate risk of a systemic collapse of Ukraine’s air shield.
A Direct Appeal to Washington
In his letter, Zelensky emphasized that the current rate of military assistance no longer matches the reality of the threats on the ground. He specifically requested the urgent delivery of Patriot PAC-3 missiles and additional defense systems to counter sophisticated Russian aerial attacks. Ukrainian officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed grave concerns that existing interceptor stockpiles are rapidly depleting and might soon be insufficient to withstand Russia’s intensive bombardment campaigns. The letter was actively distributed by the Ukrainian side directly to the White House, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and other key congressional leaders.
The ‘Oreshnik’ Factor and Global Security
A central point of Zelensky’s letter was the recent Russian deployment of the “Oreshnik” medium-range ballistic missile, which struck Kyiv Oblast. Zelensky noted that during this major offensive, Russia utilized dozens of cruise, ballistic, and hypersonic missiles like the Zircon and Kinzhal. He warned that this escalation extends far beyond Ukraine’s borders, serving as a vital security lesson for the entire Euro-Atlantic community. “Our allies worldwide might one day face similar threats from Russia’s partners and proxy forces,” Zelensky noted, urging immediate preemptive action.
Diplomacy Through Strength
Zelensky explained that addressing both the U.S. President and Congress simultaneously is a rare diplomatic move, necessitated by the extreme urgency of the situation. He argued that as long as Russia relies on its missile arsenal, its interest in diplomacy remains insincere. Simultaneously, Kyiv is working closely with European partners. In a recent discussion with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Zelensky coordinated efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s anti-ballistic capabilities through the “Drone Deal” framework. For Ukraine, securing its skies remains the ultimate prerequisite for any meaningful diplomatic progress.