Zelenskyy Appeals for Air Defense Missiles as Russia Launches 6,000 Drones in a Month.

The Russian Threat

According to TSN.ua: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that Russia deployed 6,000 attack drones against Ukraine in January alone, the majority of which were Iranian-made Shahed models. The month's assault also included 150 Russian missiles and over 5,000 guided aerial bombs (KABs). According to Zelenskyy, Ukrainian air defense forces confront at least a hundred 'Shaheds' every night, with the number spiking to between 400 and 500 on some nights.

Despite this massive onslaught, Ukraine's air defenses have proven highly effective, intercepting up to 90% of the incoming drones. However, to sustain and strengthen these defensive capabilities, Zelenskyy has urgently appealed to Western partners to supply Ukraine with missiles for its air defense systems, specifically requesting:

• Patriot
• NASAMS
• IRIS-T

Zelenskyy emphasized that 'the key words here are *together with partners*.'

Zelenskyy also stressed that a concrete plan for energy support and missile supply must be finalized by February 24th. He highlighted the severe cost to Russia, noting that it is losing an average of 156 soldiers for every kilometer of Ukrainian territory it occupies.

'This happens every month. Imagine this over your own city,' he added.

The scale of Russia's drone and missile campaign illustrates a significant escalation in the conflict and the urgent need for enhanced defensive measures. Zelenskyy's direct appeal for modern air defense systems is a vital step to ensure Ukraine's security, particularly ahead of the symbolic date of February 24th. Sustained international assistance remains a decisive factor in countering the relentless threats facing the nation.