Ukraine is fighting to secure Patriot missiles before winter, foreign minister says
Photo: Patriot air defense system (Getty Images)
Ukraine needs at least 300 missiles for Patriot systems to effectively defend its airspace and get through the coming winter. Despite all the difficulties, Ukraine’s partners understand Kyiv’s needs and are sending positive signals, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Search for Patriot interceptors
According to the Foreign Minister, Ukraine is actively working with the capitals of countries that possess the required systems to hand over. These are primarily PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptors.
"It’s very difficult. We are literally fighting tooth and nail for every item, for every missile. But I believe we are making progress. We are making progress, our partners are listening to us," Sybiha stressed.
Preparations for winter and Europe’s security
The minister emphasized that detailed figures and calculations regarding preparations for the winter have already been presented to foreign allies.
Ukraine needs at least 300 missiles to protect critical infrastructure and civilians.
"This war is not just about Ukraine — it’s about protecting Europe together with us, and our security is their security too. That’s why we’re actively working. We already have initial positive signals, so we’re not stopping," the head of Ukrainian diplomacy added.
Ukraine’s air defense and situation with missiles
Amid intensified Russian attacks, Ukraine has been forced to seek unconventional ways to strengthen its air defenses and involve the private sector.
The day before, it became known that Erik Prince, founder of the American private military company Blackwater, had established Vectus Air Defense Systems, which will provide air defense services on a subscription basis with the involvement of Ukrainian specialists.
At the same time, the key need remains the supply of official interceptor missiles from the United States.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine would get through the winter if the United States sold it at least 5% of its Patriot missiles, as the country currently has only one-tenth of the required number.
The issue of air defense and the transfer of additional systems is set to become one of the main topics on the international agenda in the coming days.
In particular, on Ukraine’s Independence Day, August 24, the Coalition of the Willing will meet to discuss strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses and new measures to pressure Russia.
