Ukraine requires an immediate and substantial air defense reinforcement as the intensity of Russian aerial terror has reached critical proportions. As stated by president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in January 2026 alone, the aggressor deployed thousands of advanced weapons against peaceful Ukrainian cities, constantly modernizing Iranian-made technology to increase its lethality. The head of state emphasized that the international community must not ignore this daily terror, which threatens not only Ukraine but the stability of European security as a whole.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported this during his speech at the 62nd Munich Security Conference. The head of state emphasized that over the past month, Russia launched 6,000 strike drones, more than 150 missiles of various types, and over 5,000 guided aerial bombs at Ukraine. He presented a visualization of these strikes. Zelenskyy noted that no power plant in the country remains undamaged.
“Imagine this over your city. Broken streets, destroyed houses, schools… This is daily life in Ukraine for four years now,” Zelenskyy emphasized, calling for decisive action from partners.
He shared that one of the hardest experiences for a leader is a commander’s report on depleted air defense stockpiles.
“To be honest, one of the worst things a leader can hear during a war is a report from the Air Force commander saying that air defense units are empty,” Zelenskyy stated.
He added that sometimes interceptors for NASAMS and Patriot systems arrive at the very last moment, just days before a massive attack.
Modernized threats and jet-powered drones
The president drew specific attention to the fact that Iranian Shahed drones have become significantly more dangerous. They now feature jet engines, real-time operator guidance via Starlink, and the ability to deploy other FPV drones. Zelenskyy underlined: “We will reach the point where we produce enough interceptors to make Shahed drones meaningless for Russia.”
Ideology of war and the price of occupation
Zelenskyy also provided a stark characterization of Vladimir Putin:
“Putin may see himself as a Tsar, but in reality, he is a slave to war. And if he lives another 10 years? We understand that it is possible. He could regroup, rebuild, and expand again.”
He noted that Putin cannot imagine life without power or war. He consults more with Tsar Peter and Empress Catherine about territorial gains than with any living person about real life.
The head of state also detailed the price Vladimir Putin pays for the occupation. In December, Ukrainian forces eliminated 35,000 occupiers, and approximately 30,000 in January. “156 soldiers is the price Russia pays for every kilometer of occupied Ukrainian land in the Donetsk region,” the president emphasized. He also criticized European politicians, specifically Viktor Orban, urging them to focus on building up armies rather than personal interests.
Regarding future peace agreements, Zelenskyy noted that Donald Trump prefers “large-scale solutions.” However, for Ukraine, obtaining strong security guarantees before signing any documents to end the full-scale war remains a fundamental requirement.
“We Ukrainians are trying to bring Europe fully into the process so that Europe’s interests and voice are taken into account,” the leader concluded.
Previously, The Ukrainian Review reported that the US is not certain whether Russia is genuinely committed to reaching a true peace.
