Zelenskyy outlined five urgent needs of Ukraine during Ukraine-NATO Council meeting

Archive photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)

The Ukrainian army needs reinforcement, including Patriot air defense systems, artillery shells, long-range weapons, aviation, and all decisions regarding such deliveries need to be made quickly, according to a statement by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the Ukraine-NATO Council meeting.

"We need seven more Patriots or similar air defense systems, and it’s a minimum number. They can save many lives and really change the situation. You have such systems. Please," the President said.

Zelenskyy also reminded that the conversation about a million artillery shells for Ukraine has been going on for a long time. According to him, they need to finally be delivered to the front lines.

In addition, the Ukrainian army needs more long-range weaponry, including missiles and artillery. The more of such weapons in the hands of Ukrainian soldiers, the closer peace will be. The President reminded that Ukraine needs aviation. Currently, there is a coalition of destroyers, so Ukraine needs a sufficient number of aircraft to effectively defeat the Russian air fleet.

"And fifth is speed. This year we can’t wait for decisions to be made. I ask you to consider as soon as possible our request for your determination – each of its elements," the President summed up.

Meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council

Recently, President Zelenskyy announced plans to convene a meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council. The reason for this was the recent Russian strikes and the Ukrainian Armed Forces' need for additional air defense systems.

Later, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced that such a meeting is scheduled for April 19th. Then, Zelenskyy and the Secretary General discussed Ukraine's needs for artillery ammunition ahead of the Ukraine-NATO Council meeting.