Zelensky: Russia’s 5,000-km Ballistic Missiles Could Put All of Europe Within Range

President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia will soon be capable of launching ballistic missiles with a range of up to 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles), placing virtually every European capital within reach.

Speaking to BFMTV before departing for Paris, Zelensky said Russia’s missile capabilities continue to expand and urged Europe to accelerate the development of its own anti-ballistic defense system.

“It is true that Russia has very powerful ballistic missiles, and they either already have, or will soon have, the ability to launch them at distances of up to 5,000 kilometers. It is only a matter of time,” Zelensky said.

He warned that such missiles would be capable of striking any city in Europe.

“That is why Europe needs its own missile defense system. It should be comparable to the Patriot system, but more affordable,” he added.

According to Zelensky, the planned project would involve eight countries, including France, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, and Norway. He described the concept as “anti-ballistic Lego,” with different countries contributing key components of the system.

If testing proceeds successfully, the first systems could enter service as early as 2026, he said.

Last week, Zelensky said Russia’s only remaining military advantage is its ability to launch ballistic missile attacks against Ukrainian civilians, arguing that Ukraine has become stronger both on the battlefield and in the air.

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Speaking after the NATO summit, he said international leaders, including US President Donald Trump, had acknowledged Ukraine’s growing capabilities.

“There are ballistic missiles, there are truly tragic and horrific strikes against our civilian population, but that is the only advantage [Russia] has left. There is nothing else,” Zelensky said.

Zelensky also announced plans to develop Freya, a Ukrainian-European anti-ballistic air defense system designed to provide a cheaper and more scalable alternative to the US-made Patriot.

Zelensky and European allies on Monday, July 13, launched the FREYJA Anti-Ballistic Missile Program, aiming to develop an affordable, mass-produced missile defense system within 12 months to protect Ukraine and the rest of Europe.

According to him, Ukraine is already developing key missile components, while European partners can contribute radar technology, industrial capacity, and financing.

By combining these capabilities, the partners hope to build a complete system capable of countering the growing threat of Russian ballistic missile attacks.

The Ukrainian president said the project is driven by the shortage of interceptor missiles, as Russia continues to combine ballistic missile strikes with large-scale drone attacks.

Although the United States is expanding Patriot production and has agreed to let Ukraine manufacture Patriot systems, production will take time, leaving an urgent gap in air defense.

The inaugural meeting brought together leading European defense companies, including Thales, MBDA, Saab, Leonardo, Diehl Defence, Kongsberg, Safran, and Eurosam.