Zelenskyy hints at new air defense decisions involving US and Europe
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
According to the president, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Palisa briefed him on the results of communications with international partners regarding specific agreements in the field of air defense.
Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine, together with its allies, is working on additional solutions as part of cooperation between the United States and European countries.
"There are things we can do additionally through cooperation between the United States and European countries. It is important that Ukrainian diplomats fully ensure the necessary communication between the militaries of the respective states," he emphasized.
The head of state also stressed that providing Ukraine with air defense assets remains the primary objective of international cooperation.
"Missiles and air defense systems for Ukraine are the top priority of international efforts. I thank everyone who is helping!" Zelenskyy added.
How Ukraine is seeking to strengthen its air defense
Earlier, Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat reported a severe shortage of missiles for Patriot, NASAMS, and IRIS-T systems.
According to him, ammunition stockpiles in some units are nearly depleted, which is why Ukraine needs new deliveries from its international partners.
Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv already has a political agreement on the purchase of additional Patriot systems, but financial, legal, and technical issues are delaying the implementation of this decision.
According to the president, the shortage of PAC-3 interceptor missiles for Patriot systems worsened after the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East, when supply volumes were significantly reduced.
Despite this, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte assured that the United States continues to regularly supply Ukraine with these munitions, while allies are financing the PURL program.
In addition, Kyiv is holding talks with the United States on obtaining a license to manufacture Patriot systems in Ukraine or jointly with NATO partners.
