Zelenskyy: Ukraine will propose air defence and HIMARS deal to US

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that a Ukrainian delegation will propose a deal to the United States to purchase air defence systems and HIMARS rocket launchers modified for ATACMS tactical missiles.

Source: Zelenskyy during a press briefing, as reported by Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne

Details: Zelenskyy said the proposed weapons procurement agreement with the US is part of what is known as the "mega deal".

Quote: "The most important part of this deal is air defence systems. We are ready to purchase them and to tap into various programmes, including PURL [the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List]. There are also bilateral agreements. Our partners understand that funding must be allocated for air defence systems, primarily though not exclusively American ones."

Details: Zelenskyy said the Ukrainian delegation will prioritise discussing the purchase of Patriot air defence systems, which are already used in Ukraine.

Quote: "We are receiving positive signals regarding the seizure of funds [from frozen Russian assets – ed.]. It's not exactly a seizure, it's a different scheme involving guarantees from partners. We would very much like the United Kingdom to join the PURL programme. We have very strong and good relations."

Details: Zelenskyy added that Ukraine's defence forces need weapons for long-range strikes as well as for protection, referring to HIMARS multiple-launch rocket systems, ATACMS and Tomahawk missiles.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!