At a Ramstein-style meeting of Western allies this week, Ukraine will ask for an urgent supply of anti-aircraft missile systems, fearing that their acute shortage could allow Russia to launch a large-scale bombing campaign.
This is reported by the Financial Times with reference to three officials informed about the preparation of the meeting.
According to the publication, at the meeting on April 21, Kyiv will demand from the allies to replenish the stocks of ammunition for anti-aircraft systems, which are decreasing.
Western capitals fear that without adequate air defenses, a long-planned counteroffensive against the occupying Russian forces may fail, the FT notes.
Kyiv needs more missiles capable of shooting down fighter jets. Significant stocks of these munitions have already been used to counter Russian drones and missiles.
"Close-range air defense is a topic that the Ukrainians raise more and more often. If they use all these means, it will open up space for the Russian Air Force," said one European official.
"If Russia can infiltrate with 'dumb' bombers, Ukraine will be in trouble," the officials added, referring to unguided munitions dropped from planes.
Previous meetings have focused on Ukraine's needs for Western battle tanks, fighter jets and, most recently, artillery munitions, but officials said the most pressing need is for air defense equipment.
"The supply of anti-aircraft defenses is a problem that is constantly raised by Ukraine," said a second European official, who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue. "The supply of fighter jets (MiG. - Ed.) is aimed at preparing for air battles... against Russian aircraft," he added.
Significant air cover is a critical element of any successful ground offensive, military experts say, given the danger Russian jets and bombers pose to any massed Ukrainian forces trying to break through the front line.
