Zelensky and Rutte discuss new air defense packages for Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed new air defense packages and Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during a meeting Thursday in Brussels on the sidelines of the European Council meeting. Zelensky announced the meeting on his official Facebook account, stating that Russia responded to another US presidential attempt to reduce the intensity of attacks with new waves of strikes targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, residential buildings, and other facilities. He noted these attacks pose significant challenges, particularly due to restrictions affecting Starlink operations in Ukraine. Zelensky emphasized the importance of continued defense supplies from NATO partners, especially interceptor missiles for ballistic missiles and ammunition for F-16 aircraft, saying new air defense packages could save Ukrainian lives every day and hour.