Did US respond to Zelenskyy’s letter? President reveals details
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on whether Washington has reacted to his letter addressed to US President Donald Trump and members of Congress regarding the supply of Patriot missiles during a conversation with journalists after signing an agreement in Sweden.
Asked by a reporter whether there had already been an initial reaction from the US, Zelenskyy said he personally met the day before with congressmen and senators who visited Ukraine. According to him, they supported the proposals addressed to Congress and the White House.
However, there has been no official response from the American side so far.
"We expect an official response from Congress and the White House," the President stressed.
Zelenskyy explained that the only tool Ukraine currently has to counter ballistic missiles is the Patriot system, which is produced exclusively by the United States.
"As for anti-ballistic defense, as you know, we currently have no other tools besides the Patriots," he said.
"Winter is ahead"
Zelenskyy stressed that diplomacy has so far failed to stop Russia, and Ukraine is containing it with its own long-range strike capabilities. However, without new deliveries of anti-ballistic missiles, the situation will worsen.
"We strongly urge our American partners to help us in allocating more anti-ballistic missiles, or to grant Ukraine licenses so that it can increase production itself and provide assistance to other countries," he said.
The President added that the US Congress will resume full operations in June, and that is when an official response is expected.
There are agreements with France regarding Aster 30 systems and with Germany regarding future aid packages, but those are longer-term prospects. Ukraine needs help now.
In addition to requesting supplies, Zelenskyy appealed to Trump with another request — to grant Ukraine a license to produce PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems independently. According to him, this would allow Ukraine not only to protect its own skies, but also to help other countries.
"I would very much like Ukrainian manufacturers to receive licenses to manufacture PAC-3 missiles for Patriots, so that we could help other countries that may need them," the President explained.
So far, Ukraine has not received such licenses.
Zelenskyy sent an urgent letter to Trump and the US Congress regarding the critical shortage of air defense systems amid intensified Russian attacks. In the letter, the President warned about the threat to civilians caused by the lack of capabilities to intercept ballistic missiles.
Later, Zelenskyy explained the reasoning behind the move. The President stressed that the situation requires immediate action and that there is no time to delay, especially with winter approaching.
