Ukraine found 100 available Patriots in world, but first wants to get 7 - Kuleba

The Minister stated that his team has identified over 100 available Patriots. He informed that some neighboring countries have more than one system currently guarding a port or airport.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine needs 25 Patriots to create a complete air shield over Ukraine, but Kuleba emphasized that initially, the focus could be on obtaining seven as quickly as possible. The first 7 air defense systems, according to the minister, will be able to cover the defense of Ukraine's largest cities.

As the American package of $60 billion stalled, Kuleba said that Kyiv has identified four more countries in Europe and Asia that have Patriots that can be immediately transferred to Ukraine.

However, the minister continues to urge Americans to also send air defense systems to Ukraine.

Kuleba also proposed that countries lend Patriots to Ukraine, promising to return the batteries as soon as needed.

Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine

At the end of February, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the transfer of ten Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine would have a radical impact on the situation in the war with Russia.

Earlier, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba noted that the country needs Patriot anti-aircraft systems and other air defense systems designed to protect lives.

Also, Kuleba stated on April 4 at the Ukraine-NATO council meeting that Germany will initiate an immediate search for all available Patriot and other air defense systems not only among allies, but worldwide, in order to transfer them to Ukraine.

Additionally, the head of the Ukrainian MFA pointed out that the main message during the Ukraine-NATO Council meeting at the Foreign Ministers' level in Brussels will be the provision of air defense systems to Kyiv. Specifically, the focus is on the Patriot system.