Ukraine warns of critical missile shortage as EU unlocks Russian asset funds

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that deliveries of crucial air defense interceptor missiles have dropped significantly compared to the previous year. Zelensky noted that the shortage is persistent, coinciding with intensified Russian missile and drone bombardments against Kyiv and strategic southern ports. To address the deficit, Zelensky held discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte regarding options to secure additional interceptor systems.

Concurrently, Ukraine announced that it has satisfied all required conditions to open four additional negotiating clusters in its European Union accession process. To further bolster Kyiv, the EU disbursed a fifth tranche of €1.4 billion generated from immobilized Russian central bank assets, intended to support Ukraine's defense capabilities and state budget.

Sources: Digi24, Economedia, HotNews, Moldova1, Ziarul de Gardă.