**Ukraine to Develop Its Own Strategic Air Defense System**
In a significant move, Ukraine is designing its own strategic-level air defense system. This was announced by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha during a speech at the EU Foreign Ministers Council meeting on April 14. This development comes as Ukrainian officials have repeatedly urged Western allies to increase air defense support in response to Russia’s intense attacks.
For months, Ukrainian officials have been warning that current supplies of air defense systems are insufficient to counter the intensity of Russian attacks. The situation became even more dire after a recent strike by Russia on the city of Sumy, located in Ukraine’s northeast. On April 13, two ballistic missiles were launched at Sumy, killing over 30 people and injuring more than 115.
**Russian Aggression Calls for Swift Action**
In his speech, Sybiha emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin will continue to move further into Europe and closer to the homes of Western allies if he is not stopped in Ukraine. He urged EU partners to strengthen Ukrainian air defenses and provide additional systems, missiles, and spare parts. Furthermore, he invited EU partners to invest in developing Ukraine’s air defense system, which would speed up its implementation.
Sybiha’s speech was delivered a day after the Russian attack on Sumy, where the second missile exploded mid-air to inflict maximum damage on people on the street. This incident highlights the need for Ukraine to develop its own strategic-level air defense system to protect its citizens from such attacks.
**A License to Manufacture Air Defense Systems**
In January, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine was negotiating with the United States to obtain a license to manufacture air defense systems in the country. This move suggests that Ukraine is determined to become more self-sufficient in its air defense capabilities.
The highly advanced U.S. Patriot systems have played a crucial role in protecting Ukraine’s sky, capable of downing even the most advanced ballistic missiles like the Kinzhal missile. However, with Ukraine developing its own strategic-level air defense system, it can potentially become less reliant on Western allies for support.
**A Necessary Step Towards Peace and Security**
The development of Ukraine’s own strategic-level air defense system is a necessary step towards achieving peace and security in the region. It will allow Ukraine to better protect its citizens from Russian aggression and become more self-sufficient in its defense capabilities. As Sybiha emphasized, this move is crucial for preventing further suffering and bloodshed.
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