Ukraine reaches agreement with Germany on 600 air defence missiles; Trump’s approval needed for licences – Zelenskyy

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine has reached an agreement with Germany to purchase 600 air defence missiles and has received indications from the US of a positive decision on granting Ukraine a licence to produce anti-ballistic missiles.

Source: Zelenskyy in an interview with TSN. Tyzhden, a Ukrainian TV news show

Details: The president said that after the G7 meeting, he stayed behind with US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss "all the additional issues".

"These concerned many things – from the reinstatement of sanctions to licences for air defence systems. This time, there are no secrets here, the American team responded positively to the issue of licences for the first time. Previously, it was always, 'Well, we don't know, perhaps, we'll see'," Zelenskyy said.

Quote: "They [the Americans – ed.] said that they see this issue being resolved for Ukraine. They recognise that current production in the US amounts to around 700 missiles a year, no more. They transferred licences to the Germans some time ago, the Germans have now begun production, and we have already signed a contract with them worth a substantial sum for 600 missiles. It is a good contract, although delivery is a rather lengthy process...

And we want, and everyone agrees, that in addition to Germany, we in Europe have all the technical capabilities required to begin producing missiles for Patriot systems. For that, I need licences from the US. Since I know everyone involved – the entire management of the European and American companies currently focused on Patriot production – we understand that we have reached the point where what is needed now is a personal 'yes' from Trump; everyone else is already in agreement."

Details: Zelenskyy also said that later that night he held a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump.

"The three of us discussed all these issues that were raised at the G7. There is also one separate issue, which I will not talk about yet because it first requires a positive decision," the president said, adding that the conversation lasted about 40 minutes.

Background:

• On 16 June, Zelenskyy said that during a conversation with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, he discussed obtaining a licence to manufacture anti-ballistic systems and missiles.
• On 18 June, Ukraine and Germany signed a defence agreement concerning the joint development of an air defence system to intercept ballistic missiles.

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