Enhanced air defense systems to safeguard Odesa and the region – Zelensky
Photo: Office of the President
Additional air defense systems will protect Odesa and the region. It has already been agreed with the partners.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated this at the press conference following the Grain from Ukraine International Summit results.
"And there remains a very specific number of systems [air defense systems – ed.], very specific names. This request is there. I will tell you frankly – there is already a positive answer when these systems will protect that region [Odesa – ed.]. Because the corridor [ grain corridor – ed.] and the people are important there," he said.
According to the president, "people in the Odesa region are important to us."
"The deficit is no secret, especially with air defense. It is important that there are agreements; there is a positive signal. The corridor is working. God willing, we will increase the volume and security in the Odesa region," Zelensky added.
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It should be noted that every day since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has been shelling Ukraine and carrying out airstrikes in the regions of the country.
According to reports, Ukraine has received the complete list of air defense systems previously agreed upon with their Western partners. However, there is a greater need for a higher quantity of these systems. Specifically, as stated by Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat, Ukraine requires more systems such as Patriot, SAMP/T IRIS-T, and NASAMS to protect the country and potential targets that the enemy may target and destroy.
In particular, a multi-level air defense system consisting of various types of weapons has been built around Kyiv. At the same time, no air defense system guarantees complete protection.
In an interview with The Sun, President Zelensky said that if Ukraine had enough anti-aircraft defense, its citizens who left for other countries because of the war would begin to return home and work for the benefit of their motherland. So then Kyiv will not need so much financial aid from the West.
The Head of State, Volodymyr Zelensky, also noted that strengthening air defense is the best strategic investment in Ukraine's security.
It should be noted that Ukraine will be able to create a mighty "air dome" over its territory, which will protect it as much as possible from enemy attacks if it receives everything described in the vision of the Air Force, adopted even before a full-scale war.
