Ukraine urges US, Europe for more air defence, missiles amid intensified Russian attacks

Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief, General Oleksandr Syrsky, has urgently called on the United States and Europe to increase the transfer of air defence systems and missiles to Kyiv, emphasizing the need to lift Biden-era restrictions on deep strikes against Russian military targets.

In an exclusive interview with The Washington Post, Syrsky highlighted the critical situation Ukraine faces amid relentless Russian missile and drone attacks this summer, Caliber.Az reports.

Syrsky detailed the challenges Kyiv endures as it confronts a numerically superior Russian force and a devastating campaign targeting Ukrainian cities. “They are targeting virtually everything — airfields, populated areas, infrastructure facilities,” he said, stressing, “So, of course, we need supplies of ballistic missiles in order to be able to give the enemy a fitting rebuff.”

The Ukrainian general underscored that a fresh supply of US-made Patriots, drone interceptors, and light aviation weapons to counter drones would be instrumental in defending against nightly bombardments. He also stressed the importance of acquiring mid- and longer-range missiles, such as ATACMS and German Taurus systems, to disrupt Russian missile and drone production facilities—if these weapons could be used without current restrictions.

“The availability of any missile weapons is in itself a deterrent,” Syrsky added. “I hope that thanks to President Trump’s position, this process will be much easier and … we won’t have any of the difficulties we had before.”

Syrsky refrained from confirming Ukraine’s remaining stock of ATACMS missiles but acknowledged, “Of course,” new deliveries would save lives. This statement follows President Trump’s July 4 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where Trump inquired about Ukraine’s ability to strike Moscow or St. Petersburg, though he later cautioned against such attacks.

In addition to air defence shortages, Syrsky noted Ukraine’s pressing need for 155mm artillery shells and armored vehicles. “We have highly motivated and courageous soldiers who can advance,” he said, “but they need modern, reliable means of protection.”

Despite Germany’s discussions with Washington to supply Patriot batteries, Berlin remains hesitant to provide the longer-range Taurus missiles Kyiv seeks.

Syrsky’s leadership has been tested since assuming command in February 2024, amid a challenging Russian counteroffensive. He is noted for orchestrating the successful 2022 Kharkiv counteroffensive but faced criticism for decisions made during the 2023 Bakhmut defence. His bold 2023 operation to push into Russia’s Kursk region momentarily shifted momentum, inflicting heavy casualties on Russian forces.

Looking ahead, Syrsky remains resolute despite Ukraine’s mobilization challenges and the relentless Russian onslaught. Approaching his 60th birthday, he dismissed retirement rumors with determination: “I understand that I have to do more and better.”

By Vafa Guliyeva