Ukraine should ‘speed up creation of ballistic programs,’ Zelensky says

President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned that Ukraine must "speed up the creation of Ukrainian ballistic programs as a lot as potential," in keeping with his night handle revealed on Could 2.

Zelensky made the assertion following his assembly with the Commander-in-Chief, the place he was briefed on army provides, staffing, and Ukraine’s missile program, together with home improvement and manufacturing.

"Our long-range capabilities are a transparent and efficient assure of Ukraine’s safety," Zelensky mentioned.

Lengthy-range missiles have been a important part of Ukraine's protection in opposition to Russia's full-scale invasion. Nonetheless, because the begin of the invasion, Western companions have been reluctant and sluggish to offer Ukraine with long-range missiles out of a concern of escalation.

Kyiv first began receiving U.S. long-range missiles, particularly the Military Tactical Missile Methods (ATACMS), within the fall of 2023 – greater than a 12 months after Russia launched its invasion. On the time, Ukraine was solely permitted to deploy these missiles in opposition to targets in occupied Ukrainian territory.

Former U.S. President Joe Biden eased restrictions on Ukraine's use of ATACMS in November 2024, permitting Kyiv to launch them in opposition to army targets in Russia.

Ukraine has additionally acquired the British Storm Shadow and the French SCALP missiles. Nonetheless, earlier this 12 months, Ukraine reportedly ran out of its provide of ATACMS.

Whereas Ukraine's drone manufacturing business has been profitable – offering greater than 95% of drones used on the entrance line – the missile improvement program has been slower, with some notable exceptions. Final 12 months, Ukraine efficiently examined its first domestically-made ballistic missileand produced 100 missiles.

The mix of Western reluctance and restrictions, in addition to restricted provide of long-range missiles, has underscored Ukraine's have to develop its personal home missile program.

Could Ukraine have stopped Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014?Amid reports that a U.S. peace proposal might include recognizing Moscow’s illegal annexation of Crimea, President Donald Trump denied Ukraine was being pressured to accept the move — while also asserting Ukraine had given up the peninsula in 2014 “without firing a shot.” “Nobody is asking (President Volodymyr) Zelensky toThe Kyiv IndependentKateryna Hodunova