Zelenskyy: Ballistic Missiles Are Why Putin Still Believes in His War

Zelenskyy says Russia’s strategy hinges on ballistic missiles, arguing the Kremlin “places its wagers” on them to sustain confidence in the war. He adds that Ukraine’s air defenses on the night of July 18–19 shot down 18 ballistic missiles and countered more than a hundred drones, but stresses the threat remains and air-defense aid must be accelerated.

John Lewis

EXPERIENCED

July 19, 2026

1 min read

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Zelenskyy: Ballistic Missiles Are Why Putin Still Believes in His War

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia is betting on ballistic missiles, arguing it is “because of them that Putin still believes in his war.” Speaking after what he called one of the largest Kyiv strikes on July 18–19, he said the attacks were prepared for days with missiles stockpiled. Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s air defenses shot down 18 missiles and neutralized more than a hundred drones, while the attack damaged over 100 sites in Kyiv and the region. He urged partners to expedite agreed air-defense packages.

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