Zelenskyy Calls for NATO Coalition to Intercept Russian Missiles Over Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has directed diplomats to engage within the framework of the Ukraine-NATO Council to explore the potential of forming a coalition of neighboring countries that would assist in intercepting Russian missiles over Ukrainian airspace.

“We need to work on the technical feasibility of neighboring countries using combat aircraft to counter (Russian — IF-U) missiles targeting Ukraine and heading towards our neighbors. Primarily, this involves NATO member states,” Zelenskyy stated during a press conference on the Day of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Zelenskyy acknowledged that this proposal might be “challenging for our partners, as they often fear unnecessary escalation.”

“But we are committed to addressing this issue and will continue our efforts. I believe our 'Ukraine-NATO' council provides a viable avenue. I have tasked our diplomats with coordinating with NATO to schedule a meeting where we can discuss this matter in detail,” the president said.

“I want to explore this mechanism so that NATO countries can deliberate with Ukraine on the possibility of forming a small coalition of neighboring nations to intercept enemy missiles (over Ukraine — IF-U),” Zelenskyy added.

He further emphasized that “we currently lack such a coalition, as it imposes a significant responsibility on any single neighboring country to assist us in intercepting missiles.”

“Although I firmly believe that this action was necessary and should have been undertaken much earlier,” he concluded.

Earlier, reports indicate that in July, Ukrainian and Polish authorities announced their intent to develop a mechanism for jointly intercepting Russian missiles and drones over Ukraine. A security agreement was signed between the two nations, outlining this possibility. However, Polish Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz later stated that Poland would not comply with Kyiv’s request to assist in intercepting Russian missiles.

Russian missiles or drones have repeatedly breached the airspace of Poland and Romania, with debris from these incursions being found within the territories of these NATO countries bordering Ukraine.

On August 4, 2024, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy officially confirmed the arrival of F-16 fighters in Ukraine.