After the Russian Federation's ballistic missile strike on the city of Poltava, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called on partners to accelerate the delivery of the latest air defense systems and strengthen Ukraine's ability to counter enemy ballistic attacks.

“I do not know how many more similar tragedies must happen in order for all promises to be fulfilled and all new commitments to be accepted,” Kuleba said in an interview with CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour.

He noted that the Russians have fired ballistic missiles, and the time interval for such a missile to reach its target is very short.

"And the only way to intercept them was the Patriot system or the SAMP/T system, because they are the only ones which can intercept ballistic missiles," the minister added.

Kuleba stressed that the tragedy in Poltava is “another reason why the supply of air defense systems to Ukraine should be accelerated.” The Foreign Minister also added that he himself hails from Poltava region.

As a result of the Russian missile strike on Poltava, 51 dead are already known, the number of injured has increased to 271 people, there are people under the rubble of the destroyed building.