Zelenskiy Rallies for Long-Range Missiles and Air Defenses at Key Meeting

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to participate in the Ramstein group meeting, urging for more arms supplies, including long-range missiles and enhanced air defenses. This meeting follows escalating Russian air attacks and aims to reinforce Western military aid for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will partake in the upcoming Ramstein group meeting on Friday, as reported by German magazine Spiegel.

Zelenskiy will advocate for increased weapons deliveries, notably long-range missiles and enhanced air defense systems, in discussions with defense ministers at the U.S. air base in Ramstein. Post Russia's extensive invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the United States formed this coalition of around 50 nations to align Ukraine's arms requests with donor commitments.

Zelenskiy has called on allies to bolster air defenses and lift restrictions preventing Kyiv from utilizing donated weaponry for deep strikes into Russian territory. This demand has intensified amidst rising Russian airstrikes on Ukraine's infrastructure and residential areas.

The forthcoming Ramstein meeting follows one of the largest waves of Russian air assaults on Ukraine, raising concerns over potential stagnation in Western military support after more than two years of conflict. Assuaging these fears, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reassured that Berlin's support for Ukraine would continue unabated.

"Germany's support for Ukraine will not cease. We have made provisions, struck defense deals, and secured funding in good time so that Ukraine can continue to fully rely on us in future," Scholz asserted.

(With inputs from agencies.)