Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for a rapid acceleration in the development of Ukraine’s domestic ballistic missile systems, emphasizing their critical role in safeguarding the nation’s security amid ongoing Russian aggression.
“Ukraine needs to accelerate the creation of Ukrainian ballistic systems as much as possible,” Zelenskyy stated in his evening address on May 2, Caliber.Az reports citing Ukrainian media.
The comment followed a high-level meeting with Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief, during which he was briefed on the state of military supplies, staffing, and missile capabilities — including the country’s missile production and research programs.
“Our long-range capabilities are a clear and effective guarantee of Ukraine’s security,” Zelenskyy added.
Long-range missile systems have become an essential element of Ukraine’s defence strategy since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. However, Ukraine’s access to advanced Western missile systems has faced ongoing delays and restrictions, driven by concerns among allies over potential escalation of the conflict.
Kyiv first received US-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) in the fall of 2023, over a year into the war. Initially, these systems were approved for use only against targets within Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory. It was not until November 2024 that then-US President Joe Biden eased restrictions, allowing Ukraine to use the missiles against military targets inside Russia.
In addition to the ATACMS, Ukraine has received British Storm Shadow and French SCALP missiles. Yet, earlier this year, reports surfaced that Ukraine had exhausted its stock of ATACMS, leaving a gap in its long-range strike capabilities.
While Ukraine’s drone production has seen substantial domestic success — with over 95 per cent of drones used on the front lines produced locally — progress on missile development has been more gradual. Notably, Ukraine successfully tested its first homegrown ballistic missile last year and produced around 100 units.
By Vafa Guliyeva
Source: caliber.az
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