Zelenskyy: Ukraine proposes that Europe revise order of Patriot system deliveries

Ukraine has proposed that Europe revise the order of deliveries of Patriot air defence systems, as Ukraine needs them more urgently than other countries because it is at war.

Source: Zelenskyy's address at the European Council summit in Brussels on 23 October, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine

Quote: "We have spoken with the US government and defence companies about Patriot systems. Even when we pay for the systems, and even when we pay for such missiles, and Europe pays, there is still a waiting list, and some countries are ahead of us; some countries already have Patriot systems. But luckily, they don't need to use them like we do, and we suggest changing the order."

Details: Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine must receive the Patriot systems now and is ready to return or replace them later when its turn comes.

The president also called on partners to focus on the PURL programme in November.

Quote: "Please, let us speed this up, and I also ask other countries that are not yet in the programme to join. PURL doesn't just help Ukraine; it also helps keep the US interested in Europe. It shows America that Europe is doing its part."

Background:

• In July, the US Department of Defense informed Switzerland that it would revise the priority list for Patriot deliveries to support Ukraine. As a result, Switzerland will receive its ordered systems later than initially planned.
• Recently, Zelenskyy discussed in Washington the possibility of signing a contract for the delivery of 25 Patriot systems to Ukraine over the next several years. These systems will be paid for with funds obtained from the use of frozen Russian assets.

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