Zelenskyy after Russian strike calls on US to grant Patriot missile production licences

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following Russia's massive attack on Ukraine, has said he expects a positive response from US President Donald Trump on licences for the production of Patriot missiles.

Source: Zelenskyy's evening address, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy believes strengthening air defence must become one of the key outcomes of the upcoming NATO summit and other international talks.

Quote: "If, of course, NATO still means anything to the Allies. Europe must have its own sufficient capability to defend itself against all types of threats, including this one – Russian ballistic missiles."

Details: Zelenskyy noted that talks with the American administration on Patriot production licences have been ongoing for a long time.

He also thanked all countries helping Ukraine through the PURL programme, which allows for the purchase of air defence missiles, including for Patriot systems.

"However, to reliably protect lives, we need our own production. European production here in Ukraine, or jointly with our partners, would, of course, also support the US in operations whenever needed. We hope for a positive response from President Trump to protect lives," the president said.

Background:

• Zelenskyy reported that during his meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit, he discussed obtaining a licence for the production of anti-ballistic systems and missiles.
• In the joint statement following the summit in Évian, G7 leaders expressed their readiness to consider granting Ukraine licences for the production of interceptor missiles directly on Ukrainian territory.

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