KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine emphasized the need to bolster the country’s air defenses during this week’s meeting in Germany, where he plans to rally support from allies. With U.S. President-elect Donald Trump set to assume office imminently and promising a swift end to the ongoing conflict, Zelenskyy is seeking assistance to enhance capabilities against missile threats, guided bombs, and Russian air attacks.
Speaking during his televised address on Saturday, Zelenskyy revealed that numerous partner countries, including those capable of providing crucial support, are expected to participate in the Ramstein group meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on Thursday. He underscored the importance of reinforcing air defense measures as a top priority for Ukraine.
The upcoming meeting will be attended by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin, with President-elect Biden originally scheduled to participate in a previous summit but unable to do so due to Hurricane Milton’s impact on the U.S. In the waning days of the current administration, efforts are underway to expedite military aid to Ukraine ahead of Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
Trump’s campaign pledge to swiftly resolve the conflict has raised uncertainties about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine, a crucial military ally. Zelenskyy recently described Trump as “strong and unpredictable,” suggesting that his approach to Russia’s aggression could significantly impact the situation on the ground.
Despite facing challenges in the conflict against Russia, including territorial losses and manpower shortages, Ukraine remains reliant on continued backing from Western nations to counter the ongoing incursions. Zelenskyy highlighted recent clashes in Russia’s Kursk region, where both Russian and North Korean forces sustained heavy casualties, underscoring the high stakes of the conflict.
In a separate incident, nine individuals were injured in a Russian airstrike on the border town of Semenivka in Ukraine’s Chernihiv region. Ukrainian officials reported that Moscow launched 103 drones into Ukrainian airspace, with the air force successfully neutralizing the majority through electronic jamming techniques.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have downed 61 Ukrainian drones in western Russia without causing casualties, although local reports indicated property damage from falling debris. The conflict between the two nations continues to escalate, with both sides employing advanced technologies and military strategies in the ongoing struggle for control.
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Reporting by Morton from London.
For further updates on the conflict in Ukraine, visit https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
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