Zelensky requests 300 anti-ballistic missiles and unblocking of €6 billion from partners for winter package

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed participants of the European Council meeting with a request to prepare a winter support package — in case the war with Russia cannot be ended before the cold weather sets in.

Zelensky said that Ukraine is seeking to end the war before winter through diplomacy and by putting pressure on Russia, but acknowledged the need to prepare for the worst-case scenario. According to him, the winter package should cover the energy sector — gas, petrol, diesel fuel — and also include no fewer than 300 anti-ballistic missiles.

“Of course, we want to end this war before winter through diplomacy, and — of course, this is very important — by putting pressure on Russia. But we understand who we are dealing with. Putin is war. Help us prepare for winter. We are asking you for this now. We have no time to think. We have only one choice — to decide what we must do,” Zelensky said.

As a separate point, the president identified the need to unblock €6 billion from the European Peace Facility program. According to him, faster use of these funds will prevent the loss of Ukrainian lives due to delays.

“The money can be used for air defense, long-range munitions, and other means that are already proving their effectiveness,” Zelensky said, adding that the funds could also go toward protecting the energy sector.

Zelensky also noted that Putin is weakening, and urged Ukrainians not to neglect their safety — to use shelters during air raid alerts. According to him, Ukraine’s partners also feel the “madness of the dictator.”