Ukraine’s air defenses are playing a key role in countering Russia’s invasion, preventing Moscow’s forces from gaining control of the skies and helping shield the country against missile and drone attacks.
But with Russia stepping up strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as it faces growing losses on the ground, Kyiv is pressuring its supporters – in particular the United States – to provide advanced equipment such as Patriot missiles and F-15 warplanes.
“As Ukraine continues to fight, air defense capabilities are becoming critical for their future success,” General Mark Milley, the top US military officer, said Wednesday.
“An integrated air and missile defense system is what is necessary as Ukraine repels Russian aerial attacks.”
Highlighting the urgency for Ukraine, the country’s military said it recorded 111 Russian missile strikes and 26 kamikaze drones on Tuesday, which Milley said “was likely the largest wave of missiles that we’ve seen since the beginning of the war.”
