Updated
Updated · Kyiv Independent · Jun 14
Russia Fires 1,920 Drones at Ukraine in 1 Week as Zelensky Seeks More Air Defenses
Updated
Updated · Kyiv Independent · Jun 14

Russia Fires 1,920 Drones at Ukraine in 1 Week as Zelensky Seeks More Air Defenses

3 articles · Updated · Kyiv Independent · Jun 14

Summary

  • 1,920 combat drones, 1,790 guided bombs and 17 missiles hit Ukraine over the past week, Zelensky said, describing a sharp escalation in Russia’s aerial campaign.
  • Zelensky said Kyiv will press partners at upcoming G7, EU and NATO meetings for concrete decisions on air defenses, long-range capabilities, drone cooperation and tougher sanctions on Russia.
  • Ukraine’s need is most acute for anti-ballistic protection: PAC-3 Patriot interceptors remain its most effective defense against Russian Iskander-M and Kinzhal missiles, and Zelensky warned in April of a critical shortage.
  • The appeal comes as the U.N. says May was Ukraine’s deadliest month for civilians since April 2022, with more than 2,000 civilians killed or injured.

Insights

As US Patriot missiles disappear, can Ukraine's homegrown weapons truly shield its cities from Russia's overwhelming air attacks?
Is the Patriot missile crisis forcing Europe to finally build a defense industry that can operate without American support?