Zelensky pushes for more anti-aircraft defenses from the West

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is demanding additional deliveries of anti-aircraft defense systems from the West and new agreements on their use in the fight against Russia. "This issue will determine the timing of the end of the war," the Ukrainian leader stated.

In a video address published on Sunday evening, Volodymyr Zelenskyi referred to the intensified Russian air attacks on Kharkiv, which have persisted for weeks. The President of Ukraine called for more anti-aircraft defense systems from the West and the authorization to attack targets deep within Russian territory.

"The Russian air force must be destroyed in their locations by all possible effective means," said President Zelensky, quoted by the German agency DPA.

President Zelensky stated that the recent lifting by Western countries of the ban on using supplied weapons to shell border areas of Russia has already shown results.

"Part of the Russian terrorist potential has been destroyed, but only part. We need to defend Ukrainians better. For that, we need long-range weapons. Negotiations on this matter are ongoing," emphasized Zelenskyi, adding that he expects progress on this issue in the coming weeks.

The Ukrainian leader also noted advancements in talks regarding Ukraine's membership in the European Union. Last Friday, the EU approved the start of accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova on June 25.