Zelenskyy criticizes US for absence of offer on air defense systems purchase
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukraine is still waiting for a response from the United States on the proposal to purchase air defense systems, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says during his evening address.
Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine is working to increase its air defense capabilities. Particularly, concrete signals are needed from the United States, but so far there has been no response.
"We are working to increase Ukraine's air defense. Very important are positive signals from the US, and concrete signals regarding air defense. We are still waiting for an answer to the proposal to buy systems that can help. Concrete signals, not just words," the Ukrainian President said.
In addition, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to European countries for their supplies. He emphasized that results must be achieved in the joint production of air defense systems and missiles for them.
"We must achieve results also in joint production of air defense systems, production of missiles for them - this is definitely necessary for all of our Europe. Only time separates us from this result, and the main thing is to shorten that time," the Ukrainian leader said.
The Ukrainian President also added that Russia is preparing to continue the war, ignoring peaceful proposals, and must be held accountable for this. No form of pressure on the aggressor country should be weakened.
"I thank everyone in the world who helps, who does this. No form of pressure on Russia should be weakened - neither those formats already applied nor those forms of pressure being prepared. The Russians are preparing to continue the war and ignore all peaceful proposals. They must be held accountable for this," Zelenskyy concluded.
Air defense for Ukraine
Back in summer 2024, Zelenskyy said Ukraine needs 25 Patriot missile systems to fully cover its airspace.
This year he already said Ukraine is ready to purchase weapons and air defense systems from the US worth $30-50 billion. In particular, it concerned buying 10 Patriot units or obtaining a license for their production.
In April, Zelenskyy reported that he instructed Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to try to reach an agreement with the US regarding the Patriot systems.
"Approval regarding Patriot for Ukraine. We are ready to purchase the required number of Patriot systems for our country. It is not about charity. We have proposed concrete deal options to protect our people. I have instructed diplomats to intensify efforts regarding the response on the Patriot systems," the Ukrainian President said in one of his evening addresses.
