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Ukraine is working with the United States and European partners on additional decisions to strengthen its air defense capabilities, President Volodymyr Zelensky said, stressing that air defense systems and interceptor missiles remain Kyiv's top international priority.
In a post on Telegram, Zelensky said he had received an update from Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Palisa on ongoing discussions with international partners regarding specific air defense agreements.
According to the president, Ukraine and its allies are exploring additional forms of cooperation between the United States and European countries.
"There are additional steps we can take through cooperation between the United States and European nations. It is important that Ukrainian diplomats fully ensure the necessary communication between the military authorities of the respective countries," Zelensky said.
He emphasized that securing air defense systems and missiles remains Ukraine's highest priority in its diplomatic efforts.
"Missiles and air defense systems for Ukraine are the number one priority of our international work. I thank everyone who continues to support us," he added.
Earlier, Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat warned of a critical shortage of interceptor missiles for Patriot, NASAMS and IRIS-T air defense systems, saying that some units have nearly exhausted their stockpiles and urgently require additional deliveries from international partners.
Zelensky previously said Ukraine has reached a political agreement to purchase additional Patriot systems, but implementation has been delayed by financial, legal and technical issues.
According to the president, the shortage of PAC-3 interceptor missiles for Patriot systems worsened after the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, which significantly reduced available supplies.
Despite this, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently said the United States continues to provide Patriot missiles to Ukraine on a regular basis, while allied countries are financing deliveries through the PURL program.
Ukraine is also negotiating with Washington to obtain a license to manufacture Patriot systems domestically or jointly with NATO partners.
