Zelenskyy calls for more 'powerful' weapons for Ukraine as Russia ramps up attacks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksyy said that his war-torn country needs a modern air defence system to deter Russian missiles. After weekend which witnessed heightened attacks from Russia across Ukraine, Zelenskyy said in his nighttime address, that he called for “powerful” air defence while decrying Moscow’s attacks in Kyiv, Mykolaiv region, Chernihiv region, Odesa, Cherkasy. He ted that mortar shelling “did t stop in Kharkiv region.

After Russian attacks on Kyiv which killed a 37-year-old man and wounded at least six people, Zelenlsy said that “ second army of world triumphantly ‘defeated’ a kindergarten and an apartment building”.

“Missiles also hit Mykolaiv region, Chernihiv region, Odesa, Cherkasy. Artillery and mortar shelling did t stop in Kharkiv region, in Sumy region, in Donbas, in south of our state,” he said in his nightly address while adding that Russia had fired 62 missiles at Ukraine within 24 hours. 

Zelenskyy said, “Part of missiles were shot down. But only part. We need a powerful air defence – modern, fully effective. Which can ensure complete protection against se missiles … And partners need to move faster if y are really partners, t observers.”

Additionally, in latest national address, Ukrainian President addressed Belarusians and ted that y are being “drawn to war. Zelenskyy said, “I would like to separately address citizens of Belarus today. Both civilians and those in uniform. You are being drawn into war. And even more actively than in February and in spring months.”

“ Kremlin has already decided everything for you - your lives are worth thing to m. But you are t slaves or cann fodder. You do t have to die. And you can prevent anyone from deciding for you what awaits you next,” he added.

US to anunce purchase of advanced missile defence systems for Ukraine

Zelenskyy’s call for more powerful weapons on Sunday came as a media report stated that United States is set to anunce purchase of medium-to-long-range surface-to-air missile defence systems for Ukraine. According to CNN report citing sources close to Washington, US President Joe Biden is ready to procure “more advanced rocket system and munitions" to help Kyiv deter "unprovoked" Russian aggression. Currently, Biden is participating in G7  summit in Germany and Zelenskyy is already expected to call on G7 leaders to do more to support his country's fight against Russia.

Im: AP