President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 26 in the wake of Russia's latest missile attack that Ukraine was doing "everything possible" to procure more advanced air defense.
According to Zelensky, there has already been "substantial progress" in ongoing efforts to convince Western allies to supply Ukraine with modern fighter jets, which will become a "key component" of defending Ukraine.
"We are moving faster in defense modernization than could have been predicted six months ago," Zelensky said.
The latest attack launched by Russia against Ukraine marked the 13th time that Kyiv was targeted in May.
Russian forces also struck a medical clinic in Dnipro, killing at least two people and injuring 30 others.
Ukraine has been requesting fighter jets for months to defend its skies and maximize the effectiveness of its combined arms forces during a future counteroffensive.
Of all the available models, Ukraine has shown the most interest in the U.S.-built F-16, in service since the 1970s, and is operated by over 20 nations.
Critics argue that allies' reluctance to supply F-16, Typhoon, and Dassault fighter jets and long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine will prevent Kyiv from launching a counteroffensive and liberating the rest of Ukrainian territory.
Ukraine’s lack of advanced aircraft and missiles will likely prolong Russia’s war of aggression and result in thousands of deaths.
Kate Tsurkan
