Zelensky discusses air defence with Merz

Two days after a massive Russian missile attack on Kiev that left 30 people dead, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about Ukraine's air-defence needs. 

"Missiles for the Patriot systems are currently the top priority," Zelensky wrote on social media following the phone call.

The call focused on how to procure more ammunition for the Patriot air defence systems. "With its missile attacks on Ukraine, Russia is playing its last card. It has no other options left to drag the war out," Zelensky explained.

While Ukraine's air defence has a relatively high hit rate against Russian drones and cruise missiles, it is largely powerless against ballistic missiles. 

The best defence is provided by US-manufactured Patriot systems, of which Ukraine has only a few. Supplies of ammunition for these systems have become even scarcer as a result of the US war against Iran. 

Germany has transferred Patriot units to Kiev and is assisting with the procurement of missiles for them.

Merz reaffirms support for Kiev

The German side issued only a brief statement on the call, saying that Zelensky had briefed Merz on the consequences of Thursday's airstrike. He had thanked the chancellor for Germany's support, particularly with regard to air defence. Merz had reaffirmed that Ukraine could rely on Germany's support, a spokesman said.

During the telephone call, Zelensky refuted Russian President Vladimir Putin's claim that Russian troops had completely captured the eastern Ukrainian town of Kostiantynivka. 

Putin had attempted to deceive the world and US President Donald Trump on the eve of the 250th anniversary celebrations of US independence, the Ukrainian president stated in Kiev.