The meeting of the 'freedom alliance' follows consultations with Nordic and Baltic leaders who also came to Kyiv this past weekend. Strengthening air defenses and protection against ballistic missiles are high on the agenda. Ukraine fears that Russia will escalate its attacks further in the coming months.
This fear is fueled by the recent wave of Russian missile and drone attacks. Attacks on Kyiv, Kryvyi Rih, and other cities have resulted in dozens of deaths and many injuries. In Kryvyi Rih, a shopping center was hit. More than a hundred people were wounded there.
Pressing Shortages
The major problem is that Ukraine is intercepting fewer and fewer Russian ballistic missiles. The stockpile of missiles for the American Patriot systems has drastically diminished. In recent months, the Americans have fired hundreds of Patriots at Iran, greatly depleting their inventory. It is precisely this type of missile that is needed against the Russian weapons that are hardest to shoot down.
Promotion
Shortages are becoming more critical as Russia has stepped up its attacks. At the same time, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warns that Ukraine's energy supply could again become a key target once winter begins. Electricity and heating plants have already been attacked. According to Kyiv, protecting these has the highest priority right now.
European Support
France and Germany have pledged new support. After consultations with Zelensky, President Macron promised to accelerate French deliveries of air defense systems and missiles. Germany also plays an important role. During his visit to Kyiv, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul discussed with Zelensky the strengthening of air defense and assistance for the winter.
Meanwhile, Europe is trying to become less dependent on American Patriot missiles. Ten European countries are working with Ukraine on developing Freyja, a domestic system against ballistic missiles. There are also efforts to increase the production of anti-missile rockets and shorten delivery times. However, such projects will not provide a solution in the coming months.
The Coming Winter
That is why Ukraine is also trying to fight Russian missile attacks at their source. Ukrainian units are searching for launch sites to neutralize them before missiles can be fired. Zelensky reported, among other things, an attack on a Russian Iskander launch facility near the Ukrainian border.
The meeting in Kyiv thus takes on a dual significance on Ukraine’s Independence Day. While the country marks 35 years of independence, its Western partners must decide how to better protect Ukraine during the coming winter. For Kyiv, the immediate message is clear: without more anti-missile systems, the population remains vulnerable to new Russian attacks.