Zelenskyy expects russian offensive in summer and urges West to urgently provide air defense systems - Bloomberg

Ukraine is preparing for a large-scale offensive by russian troops, which could begin this summer. Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on this threat during meetings with European leaders and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Yerevan. Bloomberg reports this with reference to its own sources.

Kyiv urges Western partners to immediately accelerate the supply of air defense systems and interceptor missiles. According to the Ukrainian side, the Kremlin is counting on the distraction of world attention due to conflicts in the Middle East, which makes the country particularly vulnerable to another wave of intensive bombing.

The main priority for protecting energy and civilian infrastructure remains the American Patriot systems. According to Bloomberg, it is this weaponry that is capable of effectively countering the large number of ballistic missiles produced by russia. At the same time, European analogues, in particular the Franco-Italian SAMP/T complexes, are not yet considered as a full-fledged independent alternative in the near future. Kyiv insists on urgent financing of air defense procurement programs as early as May, since the load on missile stocks has increased significantly after the reduction of US support.

The situation at the front remains difficult due to the development of unmanned technologies, which complicate offensive operations and contribute to prolonged stagnation. This forces the enemy to shift the main focus of attacks to urban centers and transport hubs. An additional factor of concern is the risk of a large-scale war in the Middle East, which could lead to political changes in allied states and an increase in resource prices.

Against this background, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is proposing that the European Union strengthen joint production of counter-drone systems, although Western officials warn that the implementation of such projects takes a long time.