Zelensky Demands Immediate NATO Missile Deliveries After New Package Arrives Amid Ongoing Russian Bombardment
Updated (2 articles)
Zelensky Announces Arrival of New Missile Package but Highlights Defense Gaps On 16 January 2026 the Ukrainian president said several air‑defence systems were missile‑free until Friday morning, yet a “substantial” missile package landed in Kyiv that same day, offering only a temporary boost to a still‑insufficient shield [1][2]. He stressed that the new missiles do not end the winter energy crisis or halt Russian strikes, and called for rapid, continuous deliveries rather than one‑off shipments [1][2]. Zelensky also warned that many missiles sit idle in allied warehouses, constrained by national stockpile rules [2].
Russian Attacks Continue Targeting Energy Infrastructure and Civilians Russian forces intensified bombardment of Ukraine’s power grid, leaving most of Kyiv without heating and forcing school closures through February [1]. A strike on the central city of Nikopol killed two people and injured six, underscoring the relentless pressure on civilian areas [1]. Moscow also deployed tens of thousands of suicide drones in 2025 and used its new hypersonic Oreshink missiles for the second time in January [2].
International Efforts Focus on Nuclear Plant Power Line Repairs The International Atomic Energy Agency negotiated a localized ceasefire to enable repairs on the last backup power line serving Europe’s largest nuclear plant at Zaporizhzhia [1]. Work is slated to begin within days, aiming to restore critical electricity to the facility after damage from military activity [1]. This diplomatic move reflects broader attempts to protect critical infrastructure amid the conflict.
Allied Stockpiles and Legal Restrictions Slow Missile Transfers Zelensky highlighted that while many NATO members hold missile stockpiles, domestic laws limit the quantities they can transfer to Ukraine [2]. He questioned the applicability of such rules during an active war, urging allies to prioritize immediate deliveries of weapons they already possess [2]. The article notes the West’s hesitancy on long‑range missiles, citing Trump’s refusal to sell Tomahawk cruise missiles, the UK’s provision of Storm Shadow missiles, and Germany’s decision to withhold Taurus missiles [2].
Delivery of Missile Package Incurred Heavy Human Cost Zelensky described the arrival of the new missile package as the result of “immense effort, blood and human lives,” indicating the dangerous logistics and combat operations required to secure the aid [1][2]. He emphasized that each successful delivery comes at a high price, reinforcing the urgency of sustained support from partners [1][2].
Sources
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1.
BBC: Zelensky says Ukraine's air defences are insufficient as missiles arrive in a new package – Details Zelensky’s admission of missile shortages, the arrival of a substantial missile shipment, the worsening Kyiv energy crisis, and the IAEA‑brokered ceasefire for Zaporizhzhia .
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Newsweek: Zelensky urges rapid NATO missile deliveries as Ukraine seeks sustained support – Focuses on Zelensky’s plea for swift NATO shipments, constraints from allied stockpile laws, the human cost of securing missile deliveries, and Western hesitancy over long‑range weapons .
Timeline
2025 – Russia launches tens of thousands of suicide drones against Ukraine, intensifying its aerial campaign and adding pressure on Ukrainian defenses [2].
Jan 2026 – Russia employs its new hypersonic Oreshink missiles against Ukraine for the second time, marking a notable escalation in the conflict [2].
Jan 16, 2026 – Zelensky tells reporters that several Ukrainian air‑defence systems remain without missiles until Friday morning, acknowledging the insufficiency of current stocks while noting that the new missile package does not end the winter bombardment [1].
Jan 16, 2026 – Zelensky urges NATO and allies to deliver missiles rapidly, pointing out that many missiles sit in warehouses and that national stock‑pile laws restrict transfers, and he calls for continuous shipments rather than one‑off drops [2].
Jan 16, 2026 – Zelensky describes the arrival of the substantial missile package as achieved at a huge cost in lives and effort, emphasizing how difficult it is to secure such aid [2].
Jan 16, 2026 – Zelensky criticises countries that hoard ammunition, demanding immediate delivery of weapons that partners already possess to sustain Ukraine’s defence [2].
Jan 16, 2026 – The United States under former President Trump blocks the sale of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine, while the UK supplies Storm Shadow missiles and Germany declines to provide Taurus missiles, highlighting Western hesitancy on long‑range weapons [2].
Jan 16, 2026 – The IAEA announces a localized ceasefire to allow repairs on the last backup power line to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, with work slated to begin within days [1].
Jan 16, 2026 – Russian strikes in Nikopol kill two civilians and injure six, underscoring continued pressure on central Ukraine amid ongoing power and heat shortages [1].
Jan 16, 2026 – Kyiv’s mayor reports that most of the capital lacks heating and faces a large electricity shortfall; curfews are eased to let residents access emergency hubs [1].
Jan 16, 2026 – Schools in Kyiv are ordered to remain closed until February, reflecting the severe winter energy crisis affecting the city [1].