In a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump and the U.S. Congress, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that during a massive attack on the night of May 24, the Russian Federation launched two "Oreshnik" intermediate-range ballistic missiles at Ukraine. This is evidenced by the text of the letter published by Axios journalist Barak Ravid, reports UNN.
Details
In the letter, Zelenskyy noted that Russia used 54 cruise missiles, 30 ballistic missiles, three "Zircon" hypersonic missiles, two "Kinzhal" aero-ballistic missiles, as well as about 600 strike drones.
Separately, the President of Ukraine pointed to the use of two "Oreshnik" missiles.
Russia also launched "Oreshnik" intermediate-range ballistic missiles — one struck the Kyiv region, while another reportedly fell in the temporarily occupied territory of the Donetsk region of Ukraine
In the appeal, Zelenskyy stated that 352 residential buildings, 19 schools and educational institutions, as well as two museums were damaged during the attack. According to him, a direct missile strike destroyed the Chernobyl Museum, which had recently been renovated for the 40th anniversary of the disaster.
The President also emphasized that Ukraine is almost entirely dependent on the United States for protection against Russian ballistic missiles.
When it comes to protection against ballistic missiles, we rely almost entirely on the United States. Patriot systems remain the most effective defense against every type of Russian ballistic missile
In the letter, he noted that Ukrainian air defense forces have been able to bring the interception rate of Russian strike drones, specifically Shaheds, to over 90%, but it is ballistic missiles that remain the primary threat.
The President also emphasized that Ukraine is ready to purchase additional Patriot systems and interceptor missiles, and also offers the US and European partners joint production of systems and ammunition.
Patriots can intercept Russian ballistic missiles. With your help. And you have the power to help
Separately, the President thanked the US for military aid, specifically for Javelins, HIMARS, ATACMS, Bradleys, and F-16 fighter jets. According to Zelenskyy, Ukrainian pilots have already completed more than 2,700 combat sorties on F-16s.
At the conclusion of the letter, Zelenskyy called on the US to continue supporting Ukraine and to help with the supply of PAC-3 missiles and additional Patriot systems.
"Ukraine needs peace, not an expansion of the Russian missile war," the President of Ukraine wrote.
Recall
The Office of the President confirmed that Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent an urgent letter to US President Donald Trump and Congress warning of a critical shortage of air defense assets in Ukraine.
Earlier
Co-founder and chief designer of the Ukrainian company Fire Point, Denys Shtylerman, stated that provided no obstacles arise, a Ukrainian analogue of the Patriot could perform its first interceptions of Russian ballistics by the end of the year.