Zelenskyy Urges European Leaders for Joint Anti-Ballistic Defense Systems Ahead of Winter in Paris Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Paris on Monday to ask two dozen European leaders for help developing measures against Russia's ballistic missiles, which have pummeled his country's power grid for more than four years since the full-scale invasion began. According to CityNews and the Manila Times, the discussions focused on jointly creating anti-ballistic air defense capabilities to protect Ukraine's critical infrastructure and civilian population as winter approaches.

2 sources

CityNewsZelenskyy seeks more European air defense support for Ukraine at Paris meetingManila TimesZelenskyy seeks more European air defense support for Ukraine at Paris meeting

"Our top priority is anti-ballistic defense."

Zelenskyy made that statement on social media after arriving in Paris, underscoring the urgency of the talks. The request comes as Russia continues to target Ukraine's energy grid, raising fears of a difficult winter for millions of people, as reported by military.com.

military.comZelenskyy Urges European Allies for Accelerated Air Defense Support in Paris Talks

The Ukrainian leader is eager to accelerate joint development plans with European countries before the cold season, when energy demands rise and attacks historically intensify. Military.com noted that the discussions emphasized protecting critical infrastructure from ongoing drone and missile strikes.

European foreign ministers were meeting separately in Brussels, where they were expected to discuss Ukraine's needs and broader Russian threats to the continent, according to CityNews and the Manila Times. The parallel meetings highlight the coordinated diplomatic push to shore up Ukraine's defenses as the war enters its fifth year.