Zelensky Presses Allies for Anti-Ballistic Results by Winter as Belgium Pledges 7 F-16s
Updated
Updated · Kyiv Independent · Jun 18
Zelensky Presses Allies for Anti-Ballistic Results by Winter as Belgium Pledges 7 F-16s
3 articles · Updated · Kyiv Independent · Jun 18
Summary
At a Ramstein-format meeting in Belgium on June 18, Volodymyr Zelensky said joint anti-ballistic defense work with allies should deliver concrete results by winter and progress by year-end.
Russia’s sustained missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities drove the appeal, with Zelensky saying ballistic missiles remain a key gap that requires more air-defense systems and interceptor missiles.
Ukraine and Germany signed agreements to develop anti-ballistic defense capabilities and jointly produce Termit ground-based robotic systems in Germany.
Zelensky said the talks would cover a European anti-ballistic missile system, and he recently floated U.S. licensing for missile-defense production in Ukraine to Donald Trump, who he said reacted positively.
The push comes amid broader allied support: Belgium has pledged 7 F-16 fighter jets for delivery by the end of 2026, underscoring Kyiv’s longer-term effort to deepen joint defense production with partners.