With an additional 10-12 Patriot missile systems, Ukraine will be able to completely secure its airspace against Russian missiles. The procurement of these air defense systems could be financed using Russia's frozen assets. As reported by UNIAN's correspondent, President Volodymyr Zelensky made this statement during a meeting with Iratxe García Pérez, the chair of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, in Kyiv.
Commenting on today's missile attack by Russians on civilian infrastructure in Zaporizhzhia, Zelensky highlighted the urgent need for more air defense systems.
"Everyone understands that 10-12 additional Patriot systems for Ukraine will ensure our survival and render the war meaningless for Putin. Because if our sky is fully protected, they have no advantages in the air. No KABs, no missiles—any, ballistic, etc.—will be able to hit Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities, hospitals, schools, and universities," Zelensky emphasized.
At the same time, the head of state does not understand why Western countries are not using Russian frozen assets to finance the purchase of these critically needed air defense systems for Ukraine.
"I truly sometimes don’t understand. One [Patriot] system costs one and a half billion. Please take from Russian assets, take this money—30 billion. It will cost 30 billion, but it will completely and finally secure our sky," the president stated.
Zelensky is convinced that Ukrainians will return to normal life, including coming back from abroad, if the sky over Ukraine is secured.
"Children will be able to attend schools and universities everywhere. The economy will function, and then, only on the battlefield, will there be a desire to pressure the Russian Federation, but undoubtedly, there will be no advantage for the aggressors. And thus, sometimes I don’t understand why we can’t tactically resolve this issue. This is what we are lacking today. This is what our partners specifically possess," Zelensky underscored.
Speaking about Ukraine’s long-term security, Zelensky expressed his belief that the best strategic guarantees would come from an invitation to NATO.
"There are questions regarding this. There is a question with some states. And the question is to Biden, not to Trump. Because the current president is Joe Biden. And therefore, we need to talk about this with him," Zelensky said.
Patriot Systems in Ukraine: Latest News
As reported by UNIAN, in October, Ukraine received another Patriot system, which was donated by Romania. In September, Zelensky admitted that Ukraine had actually received more of these systems than was publicly reported.
However, the issue is not only the number of the missile defense systems but also the missiles for them. If the U.S. halts military assistance to Ukraine under Trump, the stocks of these missiles will deplete very quickly. Then, the launchers will simply sit idle.