07.07.2026 15:41
Ukrainian leader Zelensky, who is in Ankara for the NATO Summit, emphasized his country's place by stating, 'Ukraine is part of NATO's future.' Calling on Europe to increase its defense capacity against ballistic missile threats, Zelensky urged allies to accelerate Patriot production. Noting that Russia has lost its strategic advantage, the leader added that Ukraine can successfully target Russian military and energy infrastructure with long-range strikes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made striking assessments regarding European security, air defense systems, and the Russia-Ukraine war during his speech at the Defense Industry Forum held within the scope of the NATO Summit in Ankara. Emphasizing that Europe must urgently increase its capacity against the ballistic missile threat, Zelensky called on allies to support accelerating the production of Patriot air defense systems.
'UKRAINE IS PART OF NATO'S FUTURE'
In his speech, Zelensky also touched on Ukraine's place within NATO, stating that his country is not only a partner of the alliance but also a crucial element of its future.
'Ukraine belongs to NATO. Because Ukraine is the alliance of the future,' Zelensky said, expressing that the experience gained in the war will make significant contributions to NATO's future defense concept.
CALL FOR SUPPORT FOR PATRIOT PRODUCTION
Zelensky noted that the demand for systems providing protection against ballistic missiles is increasing every day and stated that the current Patriot production capacity is insufficient to meet this need.
Announcing that they are conducting negotiations with the US regarding Patriot production licenses, Zelensky appealed to allied countries, requesting support for this process.
'We also discussed Patriot production licenses with our American partners. I ask for your support for our efforts to make this a reality,' he said.
'EUROPE NEEDS ANTI-BALLISTIC SYSTEMS TODAY'
Emphasizing that Europe's security needs cannot be postponed, Zelensky stated that the continent must rapidly develop its own air and missile defense capacity.
'This is not an issue that can be left to 2030 or later. Europe needs cost-effective and mass-producible anti-ballistic systems as soon as possible. In fact, the need exists today,' he said.
'RUSSIA HAS NO STRATEGIC DEPTH LEFT'
Zelensky noted that Russia had kept its military production and critical infrastructure in secure rear areas for years, arguing that this advantage has been eliminated by Ukraine's long-range unmanned aerial vehicle operations.
'Yesterday, Ukrainian drones breached Russian defenses and struck an oil refinery in Siberia. This is no longer an exception. There is no major oil refinery in Russia that has not been hit by Ukraine,' he said.
'WE NEUTRALIZE 30,000 RUSSIAN SOLDIERS PER MONTH'
Zelensky also touched on developments at the front, claiming that the Russian army is suffering heavy losses.
'We neutralize approximately 30,000 Russian soldiers per month. In June alone, about 28,000 Russian soldiers were neutralized, each confirmed by video recordings. The vast majority were struck by drones,' he said.
'WE ARE NOT PROUD OF THIS'
Drawing attention to the severe humanitarian consequences of the war, Zelensky stated at the end of his remarks that the conflict is not a source of pride for any side.
'We are not proud of this. This is a war we did not start but were forced to fight. Our goal is to show the destruction that war creates in the modern world and to defend our country,' he said.