Zelenskyy thanks Trump for decision to send 17 Patriot systems to Ukraine
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked US leader Donald Trump for the decision to transfer 17 Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, as stated in the Ukrainian head of state's evening address.
"I am grateful to President Trump for his willingness to support the protection of our people's lives. This war continues solely because of Russia, solely because of Putin's desire to prolong and drag it out. Russia is trying to make war seem like a new normal. This must never be accepted," Zelenskyy said.
He emphasized that everything possible must be done to force Russia to stop the killings, to achieve real peace, and to ensure security.
"Peace is only possible through strength. We discussed this with President Trump, and we discussed it with members of Congress. Our teams are working to secure the necessary forces and means to protect lives and defend our state — American weapons, American sanctions against Russia — a sanctions bill has already been prepared in Congress," the president noted.
The president added that work is ongoing to secure European funding and support, as well as joint defense efforts.
"I am grateful to our team, I am grateful to the United States, Germany, and Norway for preparing a new decision on Patriot systems for Ukraine. We are also working on major defense agreements with America. It is not yet time to publicly discuss the details, but together we can achieve a lot for the sake of security," he emphasized.
Trump announces delivery of 17 Patriot systems to Ukraine
US President Donald Trump announced that the shipment of 17 Patriot systems to Ukraine is being prepared. They are expected to arrive within a few days.
He said that one country was preparing to send 17 Patriot systems, which it would not need, so an agreement would be made on where to send these systems — or a significant portion of them — and that this could be done very quickly.
According to him, some of these systems will arrive within the next few days.
Additionally, the United States and NATO signed an agreement today that provides for the delivery of American weapons to Ukraine at the expense of European countries.
