Ukraine preparing contract to purchase 25 Patriot systems – Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has discussed the possibility of signing a contract for the delivery of 25 Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine over the next several years during his visit to Washington.

Source: Zelenskyy at a meeting with journalists, as reported by Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne

Details: Zelenskyy noted that the request for 25 systems came from the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. However, Ukraine will not receive all of them at once, as the plan envisages annual deliveries.

The president pointed out a challenge – the manufacturer currently has a waiting list for producing systems for other countries.

Quote: "We will receive some of these 25 systems annually, with varying numbers each year. The White House can change the priority list if there is political will. We understand which European countries could give us priority in the queue. There is more positive movement on this issue – we are now working to secure the necessary decisions."

Details: Zelenskyy added that several NATO member states in Europe have Patriot systems owned by the United States, which Ukraine could also receive if there is "goodwill" and support from the White House.

It is expected that funds for purchasing the 25 Patriot systems will come from frozen Russian assets, with the financial framework of the deal already established.

Quote: "Of course, we also need to work on other financial sources. We now have 28 bilateral security agreements with partner countries. Finding funds and making prepayments is the task, and within these agreements it is realistic."

Background: At the end of September, Zelenskyy announced that an Israeli Patriot surface-to-air missile system was already on combat duty in Ukraine and added that the country would receive two more such systems from its allies in the autumn.

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