Zelenskiy Urges Trump for More Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems to Strengthen Ukraine Defense

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday that he used his visit to Washington to press U.S. President Donald Trump and key U.S. senators for additional anti-ballistic missile systems and interceptors, emphasizing that Ukraine’s greatest military need is stronger protection against Russian missile attacks.

Speaking to reporters after meeting lawmakers at the U.S. Capitol, Zelenskiy said Ukraine has made significant progress in countering Iranian- and Russian-made drones through its own drone capabilities. However, he stressed that defending against ballistic missiles remains a major challenge requiring increased U.S. military assistance.

Zelenskiy noted that while Ukrainian forces have developed drones capable of destroying enemy drones, the country still lacks sufficient air defense systems to intercept high-speed ballistic missile strikes. He said he shared Ukraine’s most urgent defense requirements with President Trump and members of the Senate during his meetings in Washington.

“The real problem is anti-ballistic systems and anti-ballistic missiles,” Zelenskiy told reporters, underscoring the importance of expanding Ukraine’s air defense network as Russia continues missile attacks targeting cities and critical infrastructure.

The Ukrainian leader’s appeal comes as Kyiv continues to seek advanced military support from its Western allies to strengthen its defenses against ongoing Russian aggression. Air defense systems have become one of Ukraine’s highest priorities, particularly as ballistic missile attacks remain difficult to counter without specialized interceptors.

Zelenskiy’s discussions with U.S. officials highlight Ukraine’s continued push for enhanced security assistance amid the prolonged conflict. While domestically produced drone technology has helped improve Ukraine’s ability to neutralize hostile unmanned aerial vehicles, officials say additional anti-ballistic missile systems are essential to protect civilians, infrastructure, and military assets from increasingly sophisticated missile threats.

The renewed request underscores Ukraine’s broader strategy of combining indigenous defense innovations with Western military support to strengthen its overall air defense capabilities and improve resilience against continued Russian missile and drone attacks.