Ukraine urgently needs 10 Patriot systems and missiles to protect energy grid
Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal (photo: Getty Images)
Ukraine urgently needs an additional 10 Patriot air defense systems, as well as missiles for them and for other air defense systems. Since Russia is planning further strikes on Ukraine's energy system, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal stated this during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG).
"Today, three hours ago, Putin carried out a strike on the village of Yarova in Donetsk region, a direct hit on a group of pensioners who came to collect their pensions. At this moment, more than 20 people have been killed. Yesterday Russia began winter terror by destroying the largest thermal power plant in Kyiv region, 49 drones," Shmyhal said.
He noted that Ukraine's response must be based on strength.
"For Ukraine it is critically important to actively implement the following initiatives. First, we need a clear schedule of regular financing and deliveries of arms packages," the minister said.
The head of the Ministry of Defense stressed that Ukraine needs 6 billion dollars to finance the production of drones, interceptors to protect civilians and infrastructure, as well as FPV drones to hold the front line.
"Unfortunately, we may lose our advantage in FPV on the frontline," he emphasized.
Shmyhal again called on allies to allocate 60 billion dollars in the 2026 budget "for the defense of Europe and Ukraine."
According to him, Ukraine will continue to cover 100% of the budget for various needs, but "we need the support and participation of partners."
"We still need an additional 10 Patriot systems and missiles for Patriot, SAMP-T, NASAMS, IRIS-T and Hawk systems. This is urgent, since Russia is planning further strikes on our energy system and infrastructure," the head of the Ministry of Defense emphasized.
Ukraine Defense Contact Group
Today, September 9, the 30th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format is taking place in London.
The online meeting is attended, in particular, by UK Defense Secretary John Healey, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal.
According to Shmyhal, Ukraine's key task is to ensure uninterrupted military and financial assistance, the strengthening of air defense, and the development of joint defense industry production.
"We will hold a series of negotiations with partner countries' officials as well as with private manufacturers. We expect enhanced support and the launch of new projects to strengthen the security of Ukraine and all of Europe," the head of the Ministry of Defense noted.
During the meeting, it was already announced that the United Kingdom will finance the production of one thousand long-range drones for the Ukrainian military over the course of a year.
And Germany is in the process of supplying Ukraine with two complete Patriot air defense systems.
