In an interview with German broadcaster Tagesschau on February 23, President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed significant concern over Ukraine's defense capabilities against Russian ballistic missiles, revealing that roughly 80% of the country's territory is currently unprotected. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for additional air defense systems to bolster the nation’s security against ongoing threats from Russia. Zelensky's comments come amidst growing calls for international assistance to enhance Ukraine's military capabilities as the conflict continues to escalate.

Zelensky specifically mentioned the limited presence of the Patriot missile defense systems, which are among the few capable of intercepting such ballistic threats. However, he refrained from disclosing the exact locations of these systems, emphasizing their strategic importance. The Ukrainian president pointed out that while the Patriot systems are vital for national defense, the immense cost associated with them poses considerable challenges. Each Patriot system is estimated to cost between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, adding complexity to their procurement and operational deployment.

Moreover, Zelensky reiterated his recent appeals for increased support from international partners, particularly following his remarks at the Munich Security Conference. By elucidating the severe security situation in Ukraine, he aims to galvanize additional commitments from allies to equip Ukraine with the necessary defense technology. The ongoing vulnerabilities underscore the critical crossroads facing Ukraine as it seeks to bolster its defenses amid continued aggression from Russia, highlighting the geopolitical stakes that come with increased military assistance during these challenging times.