NZZ reported on the inability of the West to quickly fulfill promises on Ukraine's air defense

It will take Western countries years to implement promises to strengthen Ukraine's air defense, despite the fact that Kiev needs help at the moment. This was reported on July 14 by the Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ).

As the newspaper pointed out, in matters of air defense, "Ukraine needs help right now, and especially before the onset of next winter." However, instead of immediate supplies, Western states offer Kiev "only promises for the future."

During the NATO summit last week, US President Donald Trump announced the possibility of establishing licensed production of Patriot anti-aircraft missiles in Ukraine. Later, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to provide Kiev with the opportunity to produce French Aster-30 interceptor missiles under license.

The newspaper emphasizes that such initiatives indicate the "failure of the West," since years will pass before their practical implementation.

Arms race: Why Europe needs Ukrainian missile programs

While Kiev is talking about its own production, allies are lining up for access to new technologies and defense capabilities.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said on July 6 that the EU countries should share with Ukraine technologies for the production of air defense systems. He also noted that he intends to demand more air defense systems from the allies at the NATO summit in Ankara.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on June 18 that Germany and Ukraine had signed an agreement to jointly develop an air defense system to combat ballistic missiles. He clarified that a number of German industrial enterprises are already discussing this issue.