Zelensky: “The stronger air defense means greater success of Ukraine in the Black Sea”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that strengthening air defense is the best strategic investment in Ukraine's security. 

He shared this perspective on the X social media platform, Rubryka reports.

"Every air defense system and missile provided to Ukraine saves lives," said Zelensky.

He highlighted that with a reliable air shield covering every major city and region, more people, potentially millions, can return from abroad. Zelensky sees this as providing a significant boost to Ukraine's economy, helping reduce the budget deficit and, consequently, the need for international financial assistance.

"The stronger our air defense, the greater Ukraine's success in the Black Sea, the more maritime exports, the better protection of freedom of navigation, and the greater stability. This will allow us to deliver hundreds of thousands of additional tons of food via a more secure maritime export corridor and counter the global food crisis," Zelensky stated.

He also noted that each additional air defense system and missile saves resources that would otherwise be needed to restore destroyed facilities, critical infrastructure, energy systems, power grids, and more.

According to Zelensky, depriving Russia of the ability to terrorize Ukraine with missiles and drones will force the aggressor to abandon this tactic, ultimately contributing to Ukraine's victory.

Zelensky expressed gratitude to all partners who have already made important decisions strengthening Ukrainian air defense. He emphasized Ukraine, being a large country, has a significant need for air defense systems.

"We are confident, however, that by providing additional air defense capabilities, our partners are making the best strategic security investment and saving a significant amount of resources in the long run," said Zelensky.

He recalled that starting in 2022, Ukraine liberated over half of the land occupied by Russia and, in 2023, expelled the Russian fleet from most of the Black Sea. Zelensky declared that 2024 will be the year when Ukraine removes Russia from its sky.

In an interview with The Sun, Zelensky underscored that providing modern air defense means to Ukraine will facilitate the return of Ukrainians who were forced to leave the country.

Here are the announced aid packages from partners following Ramstein-17:

On November 22, the 17th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group focused on coordinating international efforts to support Ukraine in the field of security and defense in wartime.

• A new coalition of ground-based air defense assets has been formed, with 20 countries joining (Ground-Based Air Defense), led by Germany and France.
• Following the German Defense Minister Pistorius's recent visit, Germany pledged $1.4 billion in assistance, including IRIS-T guided missile systems, 8,000 new anti-tank mines, a Patriot system set, and an additional 155mm artillery ammunition — all expected to be delivered by mid-December.
• The Netherlands has earmarked €2 billion for military aid to Ukraine.
• The IT coalition, led by Estonia, is providing $500,000 dollars in funding in addition to Luxembourg's commitment of  €10 million.
• The UK and Norway, under the Maritime coalition, will explore ways to enhance security in the Black Sea.