Zelenskyy reveals how many Patriot systems Ukraine secured so far
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Photo: Getty Images)
Ukraine currently has agreements for three Patriot air defense systems out of the ten needed. At the same time, the need for defense includes missiles, drones, electronic warfare systems, and stable army funding, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated during a press conference on July 24.
Zelenskyy reminded that Ukraine has a request for 10 Patriot systems, and Kyiv is now working with partners to ensure these 10.
"We are working on the missile issue, we have missiles. We are still fighting for the production license. It is important that a platform is emerging in Germany. Production. Not with us yet, but with Europeans with whom we have good relations," he added.
At the same time, Zelenskyy noted that the President of the United States, Donald Trump, had agreed to transfer systems to Ukraine. This will happen through sales, and therefore, Ukraine now needs to find money for all 10 systems.
The head of Ukraine noted that it would be good to have a missile package with each system right away.
"How many do we already have? Three. Officially, I received confirmation from Germany for two systems, Norway – one. Now we are working with Dutch partners," he added.
Ukraine’s defense needs
According to the President, Ukraine needs to cover a deficit of 40 billion per year. However, Ukrainian drone production today requires another 25 billion per year.
"Missiles, drones, electronic warfare systems—this direction is 25 billion. That’s already 65 if we are to cover all this. I have started working on this. A very difficult topic, but I have already started," the head of Ukraine reported.
The President noted that he has already held conversations with a number of world leaders, including: President of the European Council António Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and American leaders.
"In addition, there is also a future program for funding our army. This is part of Ukraine’s defense capability and part of the security of all Europe. Previously, Europeans refused to give money for the salaries of our military, only for weapons. But it turns out that our military can be exactly the weapon that protects everyone," Zelenskyy summed up.
Patriot for Ukraine
Earlier this month, US President Trump announced the transfer of Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine at the expense of NATO allies. He stated that Kyiv would receive 17 systems.
The German Defense Minister confirmed that his country is ready to transfer two Patriot systems. However, he immediately warned that this is only possible on the condition that they are quickly replaced.
However, according to Spiegel, Ukraine will not receive the Patriot systems announced by Trump until the spring of 2026. According to anonymous sources of the publication, the first system from Germany will be available no sooner than eight months from now.
Moreover, according to the publication, all other partners will need even more time for delivery.
