Zelensky asks to supply Ukraine with air defense systems, tanks and other military support

RIGA - Ukraine must be supplied with necessary air defense systems, modern tanks, artillery and other military support so it can fight against Russia's terror, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on a video address to a meeting of heads of state and government from Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) partner nations in Riga on Monday.

Zelensky addressed several countries' leaders and politicians personally, mentioning specific military assistance which is currently being negotiated and which is of essential importance to Ukraine. 

Zelensky thanked for the support provided to Ukraine so far, stressing that Russia's aggression must be stopped by increasing the occupying forces' losses. State sponsor of terrorism Russia has received fresh deliveries from drones from Iran and is using them to attack and destroy Ukraine's infrastructure, the Ukrainian leader said. 

Zelensky noted that on December 16, for instance, Russian attacks left 22.4 million people without electricity and more than ten million people without heating and water supply.

By continuing to provide assistance to Ukraine, Western countries can help put an end to this war. The stronger and more successful Ukraine's forces will be, the sooner Russia's aggression will be end, Zelensky said. 

He underlined the need to protect Ukrainian airspace by making Russia unable to terrorize Ukraine. The president asked for increased supplies of air defense systems and also Leopard tanks.