Zelensky seeks Ukraine ‘air shield’ from G7, warns Putin could escalate war
- Ukraine’s president called on Western allies to fund an aerial defence system after 2 days of widespread Russian strikes on cities
- The US is speeding up the shipment of sophisticated National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, with 2 expected in Ukraine soon and 6 more on the way
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told G7 leaders on Tuesday that Vladimir Putin still had “room for escalation” after two days of widespread aerial strikes on cities across Ukraine, including Kyiv.
“The Russian leader, who is now in the final stage of his reign, still has room for further escalation,” Zelensky said. This is “a threat to all of us”, he said.
He also called on his Western allies to help Ukraine fund an air defence system after dozens of Russian attacks knocked out power facilities across the country.
“I am asking you to strengthen the overall effort to help financially with the creation of an air shield for Ukraine. Millions of people will be grateful to the Group of Seven for such assistance,” he said during the video address to G7 leaders.
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Kyiv cleans up in aftermath of Russian missile strikes
The US is speeding up the shipment of sophisticated NASAMS air defences to Ukraine, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said later on Tuesday, after a pledge US President Joe Biden made to his Ukraine counterpart the previous day.
The US has approved sending Ukraine a total of eight National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) so far, with two expected to be delivered soon and six more sent over a longer time frame.