Photo: UNN
Kyiv and Washington are preparing a contract for the supply of 25 Patriot air defense systems, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced during a meeting with journalists.
“In coordination with relevant US agencies, we’ve been working with defense companies on air defense. We’re preparing a contract for 25 Patriot systems. It’s a difficult but long-term project,” Zelensky said. “These 25 systems are exactly what our Air Force and Air Defense Forces have requested.”
The president noted that significant groundwork has already been done. A Ukrainian delegation — including Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, and National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov — visited the United States to prepare the negotiations.
Zelensky explained that Ukraine expects to receive the systems gradually, as there is a production queue among countries that already have contracts. However, he noted that the White House could prioritize Ukraine if there is political will.
“If there’s goodwill and coordination with European NATO countries that operate US Patriot systems, the White House could help us get them sooner,” Zelensky said.
According to him, funding for the deal could come from profits generated by frozen Russian assets, with other financial sources also being explored under Ukraine’s bilateral security agreements.
He also commented on the issue of long-range Tomahawk missiles:
“President Trump has publicly said that America needs them. I think he doesn’t want escalation with Russia before meeting them. We are ready for a meeting in any format that brings results,” Zelensky added.
