Zelensky: Ukraine needs Patriot missiles, we are ready to buy them

Ukraine needs additional missiles for Patriot air defense systems, and Kyiv is ready to purchase them from partners. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated this on the evening of August 20 after another massive Russian strike.

According to the head of state, for a significant part of the day in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast the elimination of the attack's consequences continued. Russia used ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones.

Zelensky noted that Russian ballistic missiles remain the most difficult for Ukrainian air defense. According to him, during this attack the share of intercepted cruise missiles was about 90%, while with ballistic targets the situation was significantly worse.

“Missiles for Patriot are needed, this is something only our partners can provide,” — the president said.

Ukraine is ready to pay for missiles

Zelensky emphasized that Kyiv is not relying solely on gratuitous assistance. Ukraine is ready to independently purchase the necessary weapons, but for deliveries corresponding decisions of partner countries are needed.

“We are not talking about gifts. It is about Ukraine's readiness to buy weapons,” — the head of state stressed.

According to him, the Ukrainian side at all levels communicates to partners about the need for additional Patriot missiles and knows that the necessary capabilities exist among allies.

Key importance, as Zelensky noted, is held by political decisions of partners, primarily the United States. It is American companies that produce Patriot systems and a significant part of the interceptor missiles used by them.

Ukraine also purchases scarce American weapons under the PURL program. It allows partner countries to finance weapons packages from the US for Ukraine, including missiles for air defense.

Zelensky in recent weeks has repeatedly called for accelerating such deliveries. In early August, the president stated that the necessary Patriot missiles exist in the world, but political decisions of partners are needed to transfer additional packages to Ukraine.

Based on materials: Volodymyr Zelensky, Office of the President of Ukraine