More Air defense systems are needed in Ukraine
Missile Strikes Continue
With the conflict in Ukraine waging on, Russian forces launched rocket attacks across Ukraine on the morning of June 25th. These missile strikes launched by Russian forces could be a security issue for the entirety of Europe.
“Once again, the Russian terrorists have committed war crimes: missile strikes against a number of peaceful Ukrainian cities. The insidious nature of those attacks is underscored by the fact that they are made either from the depth of the Russian Federation, from the territory of Belarus, or from the waters of the Caspian and Black Seas” posted Ukraine’s Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov on Facebook.
Russian missiles didn’t spare a residential building in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv. It was a rude awakening for residents of the central Shevchenkivsky district as the missiles hit at 6AM local time on the morning of June 26th. The impacts caused fires and collapse, a mission to save survivors trapped under the rubble was soon set in motion. One person died and at least 6 were injured.
“The Russians hit Kyiv again. Missiles damaged an apartment building and a kindergarten. Russia should be designated a state sponsor of terrorism ASAP. Ukraine needs modern missile defense systems badly. We are telling it to our allies. Weapons save lives” Tweeted Andriy Yermak, President Zelensky’s chief of staff.
Foreign aid
Earlier this month, Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz announced that Germany will supply Ukraine with the IRIS-T modern air defense and radar systems. Scholz added that Berlin is not doing enough to help Kyiv in its fight against Russia. However, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told lawmakers that Kyiv will have to wait until the fall as the delivery of the supplies will take months. The German government also plans to supply Ukraine with multiple rocket launchers.
The Biden administration is likely to announce a $450 million purchase of advanced medium to long range surface-to-air missile defense systems for Ukraine. Earlier this month the administration said it will provide an additional $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine. This package includes shipments of howitzers, ammunition, and coastal defense system.
“Russia does not control the skies, and the Ukrainians have been remarkably skilled in operating their air defense systems. So, we are still looking at how we can continue to help the Ukrainians build out those systems, and it is a priority area.” said a Senior Defense Official at a Pentagon briefing on June 24th.
Further threat
US officials believe that Russian forces plan to continue attacks in eastern Ukraine, consisting of heavy artillery and missile strikes. Their intention is to wear down Ukrainian forces and NATO resolve over time.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia will supply nuclear-capable missiles to Belarus at a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. This poses a further threat to Ukraine and the safety of Europe.
"In the next few months, we will transfer to Belarus the Iskander-M tactical missile systems, which, as you know, can use both ballistic and cruise missiles, both in conventional and nuclear versions" Putin told Lukashenko, according to the Kremlin’s reports.
Call for help
Ukraine’s President Volodymr Zelensky, in a call to The Group of Seven (G7 – consisting of the US, the UK, France, Canada, Italy, Japan, and Germany), repeated his appeals for more and better weapons and further sanctions against Russia. G7 leaders pledged to stand with Ukraine indefinitely in its fight against Russia.
"We will continue to provide financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support and stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes” statement from G7 leaders, from their second day of their summit in the German Alps.
With Russia’s ever-growing threat it is time for world leaders to act. Ukraine should receive the much-needed air defense and more aid. The task of reclaiming and defending Ukrainian soil is a difficult one but not impossible.
