(KYIV, UKRAINE) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that Ukrainian forces struck a Russian Iskander-M missile launcher near the border, adopting a strategy of hunting launchers as air defence interceptor stocks run critically low.
Zelenskyy said the strike occurred overnight or the previous day on Russian territory near Ukraine’s border. The tactic of targeting launchers directly is necessary when ballistic missile stocks are insufficient to shoot down incoming missiles.
The president also rejected calls for wartime elections, describing them as “a tsunami that would split Ukraine” at a time when Russia is increasing its deadly attacks. The comments come after former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov publicly called for elections, arguing that democracy “cannot be held hostage.”
Zelenskyy acknowledged ongoing corruption issues but noted that Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies continue to work independently. “They’re working, they’re doing their job and we’re working with whatever needs to be worked with,” he said, responding to corruption cases involving former presidential officials.
On Russia’s mobilisation plans, Zelenskyy said Russia is planning a peripheral mobilisation of 300,000 men after its September elections. This figure is lower than some previous estimates but still represents a significant challenge for Ukrainian forces.
Ukraine has reached an agreement with Germany for 600 PAC-2 Patriot interceptor missiles, though delivery is scheduled for 2027 to 2028. While useful for the long term, the missiles will not help Ukraine this winter.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine needs 300 Patriot missiles for the winter package, while the air force has requested 360. With US production at only 600 units annually, and many diverted to the Gulf conflict, obtaining such numbers is difficult. Ukraine is prepared to pay for access to a small percentage of US stockpiles.
The president also addressed funding challenges. Ukraine is awaiting 30 billion euros (£25.3 billion) from the EU, of which 8 to 10 billion euros (£6.8 to £8.4 billion) is needed for a normal start to 2027. “This money is effectively needed in advance to provide weapons and everything necessary for January 2027,” Zelenskyy said.
Russia could have up to 1,300 ballistic missiles per year, roughly 100 per month, according to Zelenskyy. Ukraine has become effective at intercepting cruise missiles but ballistic missiles remain a significant threat.
France has confirmed it will supply interceptor missiles to Ukraine. Norway will maintain its support at approximately 9 billion dollars (£7.1 billion) in 2027. Leaders of Finland, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Norway have arrived in Kyiv ahead of Independence Day.
Lithuania’s president spoke in Ukrainian, stating: “We know full well that Ukraine must win because only your victory will bring peace and calm to all of Europe.”
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