Zelenskyy says air defence missiles arrived just days before 12 February attack
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Ukraine received interceptor missiles shortly before Russia's large-scale combined attack on 12 February and this helped shoot down ballistic missiles.
Source: Zelenskyy speaking at the Munich Security Conference, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Zelenskyy said that Russia launched 24 ballistic missiles and 219 attack drones against Ukrainian cities on the night of 11-12 February.
Quote: "Our air defence used the missiles that arrived from our partners just a few days earlier. They came on Sunday… and on Thursday night the missiles were already protecting our skies."
More details: Zelenskyy said this was not the only time when timely deliveries allowed Ukraine to supply air defence units with missiles at the last moment.
Quote: "Honestly, one of the worst things a leader can hear in wartime is a report from the air force commander saying the air defence units are empty and they used their missiles to stop Russian strikes and there was no resupply. And intelligence says a new massive attack may come in a day or two. Sometimes we manage to deliver new missiles for our Patriots or NASAMS just before an attack."
More details: Zelenskyy separately thanked European countries whose support allows Ukraine to receive air defence missiles.
Quote: "Most of the air defence missiles that can stop Russian ballistic missiles come to us thanks to the PURL [the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List programme]. And PURL exists because of Europe. Europe is paying for our ability to stop ballistic attacks. Thanks [to] everyone who helps us. Thank you."
I want to especially thank Germany, Norway and the Netherlands for their strong leadership in Europe in giving us air defence systems. Thank you very much. These systems save our lives."
Background:
- Zelenskyy earlier criticised Europe in Davos over problems with air defence missiles. NATO insisted there has been no delay in the supply of Patriot missiles, contrary to Zelenskyy's remarks.
- NATO later said a number of partners will provide Ukraine with air defence missiles from their own stocks to address a shortfall in supplies from the United States.
- Earlier, Alona Hetmanchuk, Ukraine's ambassador to NATO, listed six countries that have provided Ukraine with the most support under PURL.
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