Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to urge Nato allies to provide additional air defence systems at this week's summit in Turkey, arguing that Ukraine urgently needs more protection as Russia steps up missile attacks on its cities.
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His appeal follows two major Russian strikes on Kyiv within a week that hit residential buildings and killed more than 50 civilians. Zelensky is expected to tell allies that strengthening Ukraine's air defences is essential to protecting civilians and maintaining pressure on Russia.
Ukraine Pushes for Stronger Air Defence as Russian Attacks Intensify
The summit in Ankara also offers Zelensky an opportunity to meet US President Donald Trump. He is expected to argue that Russia's recent attacks reflect growing pressure on Moscow rather than military strength, and that President Vladimir Putin should be pushed towards negotiations for what Kyiv describes as a "dignified" peace.
Missile Defence Becomes a Key Priority
The renewed appeal comes as Ukraine expands its own long-range drone campaign against Russian military and energy infrastructure. Ukrainian strikes have targeted oil refineries, fuel depots and other strategic sites, contributing to fuel shortages and power disruptions in parts of Russia.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Russian air defences intercepted most of the 430 drones launched towards the capital overnight, although the full extent of any damage was not immediately known.
Despite Ukraine's success with drone operations, ballistic missiles remain one of its biggest challenges. Daily figures released by Ukraine's air force show that while many Russian drones are intercepted, ballistic missiles are far harder to stop. During Monday's attack, Ukraine failed to intercept any of the ballistic missiles launched by Russia.
Patriot air defence systems remain the country's most effective defence against such missiles, but supplies are limited.
Zelensky said it was unacceptable that production of interceptor missiles had not been expanded to meet current needs. He has repeatedly called on European partners to transfer Patriot missile stockpiles, arguing that they are more valuable protecting civilians than remaining in storage.
He is also expected to promote plans for Ukraine to develop its own advanced air defence capabilities with Nato support.
Ukraine Seeks to Increase Pressure on Russia
Kyiv argues that its drone campaign is forcing Russia onto the defensive. Ukrainian strikes have targeted oil facilities near St Petersburg, a refinery in Moscow, and an oil refinery in Omsk, around 2,500 kilometres from Ukraine's border, highlighting the reach of its long-range drones.
Ukraine has also intensified attacks on military logistics, energy facilities and infrastructure in Crimea, the peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014. The strikes have contributed to power outages, fuel shortages and an official state of emergency in parts of the region.
Russia has accused Ukraine of terrorism over attacks on its energy infrastructure. Zelensky rejects that claim, describing it as part of a Russian influence campaign that he intends to discuss with Nato leaders.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Zelensky says Ukraine's strategy is to increase pressure on Moscow while strengthening its own defences, with the aim of bringing Russia into meaningful peace negotiations without accepting demands to surrender the entire Donbas region.
He hopes the Nato summit will produce concrete commitments rather than symbolic support. Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte has urged member states to increase assistance, saying Ukraine is helping shift the battlefield dynamic and must receive the resources needed to defend its sovereignty.
As another winter approaches, Kyiv says ending the war remains its goal through either strength or diplomacy. Zelensky's central message to allies will be that additional interceptor missiles and air defence systems are essential if Ukraine is to protect its population and sustain pressure on Russia.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 7 July 2026