On February 3, Reuters quoted a statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky saying that the country had just received two new air defense systems from Western allies, and affirmed that these weapons could prevent all airborne threats.
The information was given by the Ukrainian President in his nightly speech on the war situation in the country. Mr. Zelensky said the transfer of the new weapons system was the result of "tireless work at many levels for many months".
"These systems can shoot down everything. Although they are not yet enough to fully protect the territory of Ukraine, we are working every day towards that goal," President Zelensky added.
Ukrainian President Zelensky praised the air defense systems recently donated by allies but did not reveal what they were. (Photo: Reuters)
The Ukrainian president did not reveal the type of missile shield. He has repeatedly praised the Patriot air defense system transferred by the US, affirming that it is an important factor in protecting Ukraine from long-range attacks by Russia because it can shoot down any type of missile launched by Moscow.
Last December, Mr. Zelensky said Kiev would receive more Patriot systems “this winter,” but did not disclose the number or the specific time. Ukraine currently owns three Patriot complexes provided by the West.
Ukraine has repeatedly asked the US and its allies to provide additional air defense systems and interceptor missiles, in the context of Russia's frequent long-range attacks on its territory.
Strengthening air defenses is one of Ukraine's main priorities to protect cities, towns and infrastructure from Russian missile and drone attacks.
In the same speech, President Zelensky also mentioned the battlefield situation in eastern Ukraine. In particular, the Avdiivka front was described by him as being "extremely difficult" for Ukrainian forces.
Avdiivka is a key town north of the capital of Donetsk Oblast. The city is controlled by Ukraine and has been a particular target of Russian attacks for more than three months. Kiev officials say not a single building in Avdiivka remains intact.
In a battlefield report on February 2, the Ukrainian military said its forces had repelled 19 Russian attacks around Avdiivka and 10 other attacks in neighboring areas.
Avdiivka was briefly held by pro-Russian forces in 2014 but was later recaptured by Ukraine. It is considered the gateway to the regional centre of the Russian-held city of Donetsk, about 20km to the east.
Former Ukrainian commander Yevhen Dykiy told Espreso TV that Russian forces would not be able to take Avdiivka through frontal attacks but they were getting closer to the only supply route into the city.
“There is a risk that the Ukrainian armed forces may have to withdraw from Avdiivka,” said Yevhen Dykiy.
Tra Khanh
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