Zelensky appeals for more air defense as Russia intensifies attacks
Over 1,000 rockets and bombs, along with more than 320 Shahed drones, have been launched by Russia towards Ukraine since the beginning of March, as Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted on social media. The Ukrainian leader has reached out to international partners, requesting further support with air defense capabilities.
2:48 PM EDT, March 20, 2024
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“Russia relentlessly deploys drones, missiles, and guided bombs in a terror campaign against our country, targeting ordinary towns and villages,” Zelensky shared on the X platform.
The Ukrainian President detailed that, since the onset of March, Russia has directed “130 missiles, 320 Shaheds, and almost 900 guided bombs” towards Ukraine.
“Ukraine has proven capable of not only effectively intercepting Russian missiles and drones but also of destroying Russian military aircraft. This capability is crucial for saving thousands of lives and maintaining the operational status of the Ukrainian economy,” Zelensky's post reads.
The leader of the beleaguered nation called on allies for more air defense support. “What we require are substantial quantities of air defense systems, ones that our partners currently possess but are not utilizing to their full potential.
Systems like Patriot and others were created to save lives, not to sit unused in storage. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone around the globe who understands our plight and contributes to our efforts in saving lives. We must ensure that Russian aggression fails,” the president stressed.