Ukraine has only a quarter of the necessary air defense capabilities. Over a hundred aircraft are also needed to counter Russian aviation, according to the statement of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with AFP.
"Today we have about 25 percent of what we need to defend Ukraine. I'm talking about air defence," said the head of state.
Currently, Russia has air superiority, limiting Ukraine's ability to defend cities and the front line. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine needs modern fighters to achieve parity with Russia.
"So that Russia does not have air superiority, our fleet should have 120 to 130 modern aircraft... to defend the sky against three hundred (Russian) aircraft," the president stated.
Air defense for Ukraine
Recall that in recent months, Russia has resumed mass attacks on Ukraine, using drones and various types of missiles. Occupiers are again targeting energy facilities, causing serious damage to objects.
In addition, Russians have intensified shelling of frontline and border areas. In particular, Kharkiv is almost daily under enemy fire.
Against the backdrop of Russian mass attacks, Ukraine calls on partners to strengthen air defense with modern systems. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that two Patriot air defense systems are needed to defend Kharkiv.
For more details on whether the Patriot systems can secure the skies over Kharkiv, read the material from RBC-Ukraine.
