Zelenskyy suggests critical Patriot interceptor missiles are available beyond US
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that securing interceptor missiles for Patriot air defence systems would be the key issue in his discussions with Kyiv's partners at the NATO summit, stressing that the missiles can be obtained from countries other than the United States.
Source: European Pravda
Details: Speaking to reporters in Ankara alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Zelenskyy said Ukraine's top priority is to find a way to obtain "as many interceptor missiles as possible, as quickly as possible" for its Patriot systems.
"We know which of our friends – not only the Americans, by the way – have these capabilities. We desperately need them; this is an urgent necessity. I think you have all seen these Russian attacks," Zelenskyy said.
He stressed that strengthening air defences is essential for protecting both civilians and the military.
"Of course, we see Russia's weakness, we feel it – but it is still not enough. We need more pressure, more anti-ballistic missiles, and more sanctions against Russia," he added.
Zelenskyy also urged Kyiv's partners to support Ukraine's efforts to obtain a licence to domestically manufacture missiles for Patriot systems.
Background:
- Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has sent letters to nearly 40 partner countries urging them to hand over Patriot missiles from their existing stockpiles to Ukraine as early as this month.
- Rutte has said he hopes that the NATO summit will help advance decisions favourable to Ukraine on supplying interceptor missiles capable of countering ballistic threats.
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