In response to Israel's recent success in thwarting an extensive Iranian missile and drone attack, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba emphasized the need for increased support from Ukraine's allies against Russian aerial barrages. The Ukrainian government has appealed to its Western partners for additional air defense systems as the conflict with Russia enters its third year.

Israel's defense system, aided by the United States and Britain, played a crucial role in preventing significant damage or casualties during Sunday's Iranian attack, which involved over 300 drones and missiles. Minister Kuleba, speaking in Kyiv, called on Ukraine's allies to provide the necessary resources, asserting that with the right support, Ukraine could effectively combat Russian aerial campaigns.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy echoed Kuleba's sentiments, highlighting the significance of effective defense. Zelenskyy emphasized that the world had witnessed the feasibility of real defense and urged Ukraine's allies to step up their assistance. He referred to a recent Russian aerial campaign that had inflicted extensive damage on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and other targets.

During this campaign, Russia launched almost 130 exploding drones, over 80 missiles, and nearly 700 guided aerial bombs at Ukraine, according to President Zelenskyy. He has repeatedly called for an increase in air defense systems, particularly Patriot systems, from Ukraine's allies.

However, the Institute for the Study of War noted key differences between the challenges faced by Israel and Ukraine. The assessment acknowledged that Russian forces launch their attacks from various locations within occupied Ukraine and from within Russia itself, providing Ukrainian air defenders with limited response time compared to their Israeli counterparts.

Ukraine's defenders are alarmed by the scale and improved accuracy of recent Russian attacks, pointing to the Kremlin's superior intelligence and updated tactics. Moscow has also exploited vulnerabilities in Ukraine's air defenses, further complicating the situation. With the battlefield advantage shifting in Russia's favor, Ukraine is grappling with ammunition and troop shortages.

The delay in the approval of a U.S. aid package worth approximately $60 billion for Ukraine remains a significant hurdle in obtaining much-needed air defense supplies. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his commitment to advancing the aid package and resolving the hold-up this week.

The Institute for the Study of War cautioned that the exhaustion of U.S.-provided air defenses, coupled with advancements in Russian strike tactics, has led to an increased efficacy of Russia's campaign against Ukraine.

As Ukraine seeks increased support from its allies to combat Russian aerial barrages, the success of Israel in defending against the Iranian attack serves as a testament to the importance of robust defense systems and international cooperation in safeguarding Ukraine's sovereignty and stability.