As winter descends, Ukraine faces a deepening crisis with its air defense capabilities severely strained following recent intensified Russian attacks. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed Friday that Ukrainian air defenses are largely depleted, underscoring the country’s urgent need for continued and increased Western military aid to protect critical infrastructure. The escalating situation comes as Moscow focuses on crippling Ukraine’s energy grid – leaving thousands without power and heat amid sub-zero temperatures – and Kyiv has declared a state of emergency in the sector.
Ukraine’s air defense systems were largely depleted Friday morning following days of intense Russian bombardment, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed, highlighting the country’s critical need for continued Western support as winter approaches.
“I can say openly, because today I have these missiles,” Zelenskyy said, according to the BBC, adding that a “significant package” of supplies had arrived Friday. He urgently appealed to allies to maintain a rapid flow of air defense missiles, citing intelligence reports indicating Russia is preparing for further large-scale attacks.
Zelenskyy also criticized nations that are stockpiling ammunition without being actively engaged in the conflict. “If we are at war, we really need it,” he stated. He reiterated the precarious state of Ukraine’s defenses on Telegram, emphasizing the need for swift action from partner nations. “We are trying to speed things up, and it is important that our partners hear us,” he added.
The revelation comes as Ukraine relies heavily on Western partners for vital air defense systems, which Zelenskyy stressed require “constant supplies of missiles,” particularly after a series of Russian strikes targeting the country’s energy infrastructure. The attacks have left thousands of Ukrainians without heat and electricity as temperatures plummet.
Kyiv declared a state of emergency in the energy sector earlier this week, facing a severe energy shortage amid temperatures reaching as low as -19°C. Schools will remain closed until February, while thousands of energy workers are working to repair damaged power plants and substations.
Former Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal was appointed Minister of Energy to address the crisis. Speaking in the Ukrainian parliament Friday, Shmyhal said Moscow is betting on breaking Ukraine through energy terror. To prevent this scenario, the newly appointed minister ordered state-owned companies to increase energy imports.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko told Reuters that most of the capital remains without heating and is experiencing a massive power outage, the first of its kind since the start of the war. He added that electricity supply levels have fallen to less than half of what is needed.
Klitschko earlier this week urged residents of Kyiv to leave the city if possible, to help reduce the strain on the energy infrastructure.
