Zelensky calls on G7 to provide air defense systems, as Russia ordered 2,400 ‘Shaheds’

The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his speech at the video conference of the leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) and Ukraine, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

“Now, reacting to Russian terror, sham referenda and the attempt to annex our territory, we can apply the peace formula so that the terrorist state stands no chance. The first point is defense support. Air shield for Ukraine. This is part of the security guarantees that are an element of our peace formula. When Ukraine receives a sufficient number of modern and effective air defense systems, the key element of Russian terror – missile strikes – will cease to work,” Zelensky stressed.

The President of Ukraine expressed gratitude to Germany and Chancellor Olaf Scholz personally for speeding up the delivery of IRIS, as well as the United States and personally President Joseph Biden for the decision to provide modern missile defense and air defense systems. Zelensky also thanked everyone who had already helped Ukraine to secure its air defense system.

According to Zelensky, Ukraine’s anti-aircraft missile systems destroy some of Russian missiles and drones. However, following the data from the Ukrainian intelligence, Russia ordered 2,400 Iranian-manufactured ‘Shaheds’ alone.

“And that’s why, dear Mr. Chancellor, dear President of the United States, it is important that we have sufficient missiles for the air defense and anti-missile systems provided and that these systems are integrated with our defense system. Tomorrow in the format of Ramstein I would ask that our defense ministers discuss this,” Zelensky noted.

When addressing the President of France and the Prime Minister of Italy, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is very much looking forward to the delivery of the SAMP-T systems, as soon as in the coming months if possible.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine

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