Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to urge NATO allies to provide additional air defence systems during the alliance's summit in Türkiye, as Kyiv faces intensified Russian missile attacks, EDnews reports, citing the BBC.
Zelensky is expected to use the meeting in Ankara to call for the urgent delivery of more Patriot air defence systems, arguing that Ukraine needs stronger protection against Russia's increasing use of ballistic missiles.
His appeal comes after two major Russian strikes on Kyiv within a week reportedly killed more than 50 civilians and caused significant damage to residential buildings.
The Ukrainian leader is also expected to meet US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the summit, where he will argue that Russia's intensified attacks reflect weakness rather than strength and that Moscow should be pushed toward meaningful peace negotiations.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Zelensky expressed hope that the gathering would produce concrete results rather than being "empty."
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called on member states to increase support for Ukraine, saying allies must "pull their weight" to help Kyiv defend its sovereignty.
While Ukraine has stepped up long-range drone strikes targeting Russian oil refineries, military facilities and infrastructure, officials say the country's biggest challenge remains defending against ballistic missile attacks.
Zelensky has repeatedly urged European allies to transfer available Patriot missile systems, saying stockpiled weapons should be used to save civilian lives rather than remain in storage.
He has also called for closer cooperation with NATO to develop Ukraine's own advanced air defence capabilities.
Ukraine maintains that increasing military pressure on Russia could help force the Kremlin into negotiations on terms acceptable to Kyiv, rejecting Moscow's demand that Ukraine surrender the entire Donbas region.
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