Zelensky says Ukraine is forming anti-ballistic coalition

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press
ANKARA, TÜRKİYE — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is working to form an anti-ballistic coalition in Europe as Russian missile threats continue.

In his evening address on May 12, Zelensky said Kyiv is gradually advancing efforts to support the joint production of anti-ballistic systems in Europe. He said Ukraine is now closer than ever to practical results.

Zelensky announces new defense initiative

Zelensky said Ukraine is working with European partners on a new initiative focused on anti-ballistic systems. He described the effort as an “anti-ballistic coalition.”

The Ukrainian leader said Russia’s continuing missile threat makes such cooperation necessary. Ukraine has faced repeated Russian missile, drone and aerial attacks throughout the war, including strikes on cities, energy facilities, ports, transport routes and critical infrastructure.

“We are gradually advancing the issue of anti-ballistic production in Europe — we are forming an anti-ballistic coalition. It is worth doing, and now we are closer to a result than ever,” Zelensky said.

His remarks indicate that Kyiv wants to address its missile defense needs not only through immediate military aid but also through longer-term industrial cooperation in Europe.

Representatives from 13 countries joined talks

Zelensky said a meeting of national security advisers dedicated to the initiative included representatives from 13 countries. The Office of the NATO Secretary General also took part, he said.

The participation of NATO-related representatives suggests that the project is being discussed within a broader European security context. Although Ukraine is not a NATO member, it has received extensive military, technical and intelligence support from NATO countries since Russia’s full-scale invasion.

For Kyiv, the anti-ballistic initiative is not only about obtaining more systems. It is also about building a more sustainable defense production framework with European partners.

Missile threat drives need for coalition

Russia has used ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and attack drones in repeated strikes against Ukraine. These attacks have targeted not only military sites but also energy infrastructure, residential areas and other critical facilities.

Ukraine has intercepted many incoming threats with Western-supplied air defense systems. However, ballistic missiles remain especially difficult to counter because of their speed, trajectory and short reaction time.

Zelensky’s emphasis on anti-ballistic systems shows that missile defense remains one of Kyiv’s top security priorities. Ukraine wants to strengthen both immediate protection and long-term production capacity.

The proposed coalition could help Ukraine and its partners increase the availability of systems capable of defending cities, infrastructure and military facilities from ballistic missile attacks.

Europe’s defense production becomes central

Zelensky said Ukraine is gradually moving forward with the issue of anti-ballistic production in Europe. This reflects a wider debate among European states about expanding defense industrial capacity.

Russia’s war has exposed gaps in European production of ammunition, air defense systems, missiles, drones and related military technologies. Many governments have acknowledged that long-term security will require stronger manufacturing capacity and faster procurement.

For Ukraine, joint production in Europe could provide two major benefits. First, it could create a more reliable supply of defensive systems. Second, it could deepen military-industrial cooperation between Kyiv and European partners.

Such cooperation would also help Ukraine prepare for long-term security challenges, even if active fighting eventually slows or ends.

NATO dimension draws attention

The involvement of the NATO Secretary General’s Office gives the initiative additional strategic importance.

NATO countries have already played a key role in supplying Ukraine with air defense systems and related equipment. Coordination with NATO structures may help ensure compatibility, technical standards and planning support for future anti-ballistic systems.

For NATO members, Ukraine’s air defense needs are not seen only as Kyiv’s concern. Russia’s missile capabilities also affect security calculations across Eastern Europe and the wider alliance.

The protection of critical infrastructure, military bases, cities and transport routes has become a central issue in European defense planning.

Kyiv says practical results are closer

Zelensky said Ukraine is closer than ever to a practical result, but he did not name the countries involved in the initiative or provide details about which systems may be produced.

He also did not announce a timetable for production or deployment. Still, his remarks suggest that Ukraine is trying to move from emergency aid requests toward more structured defense production partnerships.

Since the early stages of the war, Ukraine’s immediate priority has been weapons, ammunition and air defense support. In recent months, Kyiv has increasingly emphasized joint production, technology transfer and long-term defense cooperation with partners.

The anti-ballistic coalition fits into that broader strategy.

Zelensky previously said he was ready to meet Putin

Zelensky’s comments came after he had earlier said he was ready for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The two messages reflect Ukraine’s broader wartime approach. Kyiv continues to leave room for diplomacy while also strengthening its military capacity and international partnerships.

Ukraine argues that any serious diplomatic process must be backed by strong defense, international support and security guarantees. The anti-ballistic coalition is therefore part of Kyiv’s effort to prepare both for immediate threats and for a longer-term security architecture.

Zelensky’s announcement shows that Ukraine wants to build a more institutional and production-focused model of cooperation with European partners in missile defense. As Russian missile threats continue, Kyiv views anti-ballistic systems as critical not only for military defense but also for protecting civilians and maintaining state resilience.

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