Europe Pushes for More Missile Defense

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv is working with European partners to increase production of anti-ballistic defense systems, citing a global shortage linked to the war with Iran. In an address on May 25, he said strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses remained the country’s top priority.

Zelenskyy said he had recently spoken with the leaders of France, Norway and Finland, while Ukrainian diplomats continued discussions with international partners. He said talks with the United States on expanding anti-ballistic production had made little progress and that Europe needed to accelerate efforts to develop sufficient capabilities on the continent.

The president also said Ukraine’s forces had stabilized positions along the front through the use of drones, technological systems and medium- and long-range strikes. He credited the country’s military and technological capabilities while acknowledging that the battlefield situation remained difficult.

Zelenskyy urged continued U.S. involvement in supporting Ukraine’s defense and diplomatic efforts to end the war. He said Washington’s leadership was essential to European security and noted that Kyiv was prepared to share security and technological experience gained during the conflict. He also reported discussions with Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko and lawmakers on government priorities for the coming weeks.