At the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky argued that his country’s experienced military would strengthen the alliance, using the occasion to press for membership despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s firm opposition. He also urged allied nations to increase support for Ukraine’s air defenses, which are running low on interceptors needed to stop Russian ballistic missiles. Zelensky called for greater determination from partners on this issue, suggested licensing production of American Patriot systems, and proposed that European states work with Kyiv to manufacture cheaper anti-ballistic alternatives. His remarks underscored both Ukraine’s combat readiness and its continued vulnerability in the air war.