President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Friday, Oct. 23, that promised interceptor missiles needed to defend Ukraine against Russian ballistic attacks have still not arrived, leaving the country facing critical air defense shortages as Moscow continues its near-daily strikes.
Speaking during an online address to Washington’s Hudson Institute, Zelensky said Washington had yet to authorize deliveries of previously agreed Patriot interceptors, leaving Ukraine waiting for critical air defense missiles.
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“We are waiting for interceptors that we have already agreed on, but they are still not coming,” Zelensky said.
He expressed hope that the missiles were on their way but warned that the delay was a serious problem as Russian forces continued launching attacks on Ukraine almost every day.
Zelensky identified interceptor missiles for US-made Patriot air defense systems and energy supplies as Ukraine’s two most pressing winter requirements.
“We speak with different countries – Asia, the Middle East, and our European partners. Of course, we count on the American package,” Zelensky said during the Hudson Institute discussion.
Frontline holds despite lingering Starlink restrictions
Zelensky said Ukraine continues to defend its positions despite delayed military assistance and lingering Starlink and Starshield restrictions, even after reports that services had been restored.
“The speed limits on Starlink and Starshield are still there. The speed has not been restored,” he said.
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He acknowledged that the restrictions had complicated military operations but stressed that Ukrainian forces continued to hold their positions.
“We are doing our best to keep our logistics working, and we continue defending ourselves,” Zelensky said.
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