Maroc - ENG.UATV.UA - A La Une - 20/Oct 09:26

Zelenskyy: Ukraine Plans Contract for 25 Patriot Systems

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is preparing a contract with an American manufacturer to purchase 25 Patriot air defense systems. As reported by Interfax-Ukraine, Zelenskyy made the statement while speaking to the media. According to the president, Ukraine intends to order 25 Patriot systems under a multi-year contract, though the pace of deliveries remains unclear. “In coordination with relevant U.S. agencies, we have held talks with defense companies regarding air defense and are preparing a contract for 25 Patriot systems. I believe this is a very good story — a difficult one, but long-term,” Zelenskyy said. He noted that a certain number of systems are “needed as soon as possible,” while the rest are being ordered for the future. “The difficulty lies in the queue to receive these systems — there is a line of countries that have already signed similar contracts. We will be receiving these 25 systems annually, in varying numbers each year,” the president explained. Zelenskyy added that the White House could help move Ukraine higher up in that queue, and that European partners might also assist. “Each European country that is a key NATO member has its own systems, and some of those are American-owned. This means that if everyone works together and there is goodwill, the White House could help us receive some of those U.S. systems currently deployed in European countries,” Zelenskyy said. The president named proceeds from frozen Russian assets as a potential funding source but emphasized that additional resources would also be needed. “We currently have 28 bilateral security agreements with different countries. Finding financing and making advance payments is the task — and within these agreements, it is realistic,” he added. During his recent trip to the United States for a meeting with Donald Trump, Zelenskyy also met with representatives of the Patriot missile system manufacturer. For reference, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has announced that Germany will deliver two Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine by the end of 2025. Read also: Trump denies urging Zelensky to cede all of Donetsk region to Russia The post Zelenskyy: Ukraine Plans Contract for 25 Patriot Systems appeared first on Freedom.