Zelensky says Kiev got additional US-made Patriot air defense systems
(MENAFN) Ukraine has received more US-made Patriot air defense systems from Germany, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky announced, according to reports. The country has been urging its Western allies for additional long-range weaponry, including Tomahawk cruise missiles and more Patriot batteries.
In a post on X on Sunday, Zelensky expressed gratitude to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, writing, “Our agreements have been fulfilled. More Patriots are now in Ukraine and being put into operation.” He emphasized that “more systems are needed to protect key infrastructure sites and our cities across the entire territory of Ukraine, and we will continue working to obtain them – not only at the political level with states and leaders but also directly with manufacturers of all necessary air defense systems and missiles for them.”
Reports indicate that Ukraine previously had eight Patriot systems, though only six were operational. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry claims to have destroyed approximately 40 Patriot launchers since 2023.
Although US President Donald Trump has refused to supply Ukraine with Tomahawks directly, NATO members have been allowed to purchase American weapons on Ukraine’s behalf. Moscow has maintained that foreign assistance will not alter the battlefield balance in Ukraine’s favor.
Last month, Zelensky revealed that Ukraine and the US were preparing a contract for 25 Patriot systems, noting that deliveries could take years unless EU nations show “goodwill” by prioritizing Kiev or transferring systems they already possess. With each system valued at around $1 billion, Ukraine aims to fund the purchases through an EU loan backed by frozen Russian assets, a move Russia has denounced as theft.
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