Today at 16:16
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that a key topic of discussions with partners at the NATO Summit would be the supply of interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems, which are critically important for Ukraine’s ability to intercept Russian ballistic missiles. He also noted that such missiles are not only available in the United States, UATV English reports.
Speaking to the media in Ankara alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine’s top priority is to find a way to obtain “as many interceptor missiles as possible, as quickly as possible,” adding that he would discuss the issue with Rutte.
“We understand which of our friends—not only the Americans, by the way—have these capabilities. We urgently need them. This is an immediate necessity. I think you have all seen these Russian strikes,” Zelenskyy said.
He stressed that air defense capabilities are essential both for protecting civilians and for supporting the armed forces.
“Of course, we see Russia’s weakness, we feel it—but it is still not enough. We need more pressure, more anti-ballistic missiles, and more sanctions against Russia,” the president added.
Zelenskyy also called on partners to support Ukraine’s efforts to obtain a license to manufacture missiles for Patriot systems domestically.
As previously reported, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov sent letters to nearly 40 partner countries requesting the urgent transfer of Patriot missiles from existing stockpiles this month.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed hope that the NATO Summit would help bring about decisions favorable to Ukraine regarding interceptor missiles for countering ballistic threats.
