Zelenskyy defends criticism of Europe over missile shortages amid Russian strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has defended his recent critical remarks about Europe, saying they reflected the urgent realities faced by his country after a shortage of air defence missiles left Kyiv vulnerable to Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure.

Speaking to journalists in Kyiv, Zelenskyy acknowledged that his comments, made during a speech in Davos, might have appeared harsh to European capitals. He explained that the difference in perception stems from the distinct “information fields” in which Ukraine and the rest of Europe operate, as well as differing emotional responses to unfolding events, Caliber.Az reports.

Zelenskyy said his Davos speech followed a period of intense Russian shelling targeting Kyiv’s energy facilities. He noted that he had anticipated the Armed Forces of Ukraine would be unable to fully repel the attack, citing specific strikes on Kyiv’s TPP-4, TPP-5, and TPP-6 thermal power plants.

He emphasised that Ukraine’s divisions were essentially empty against ballistic missile strikes and that the country’s air defences were insufficient to protect the energy sector.

The president attributed the missile shortage to a lack of funding for the purchase of PAC-3 anti-missile systems from the United States, which are capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. He said that while US missiles are not provided for free, European payments through the PURL mechanism for procurement had not been completed, delaying the delivery of critical defenses.

Zelenskyy stressed that the PAC-3 missiles eventually arrived two days later than needed, noting that they reached Ukraine only after the country had already nearly experienced a full blackout.

Earlier at the Davos Forum on January 22, President Zelenskyy sharply criticised European leaders, accusing them of failing to take decisive action to defend Ukraine against Russia.

“Europe loves to discuss the future, but avoids taking action today, action that defines what kind of future we will have,” he said.

By Sabina Mammadli