Zelenskyy says Europe has enough Patriot missiles to defend Ukraine in winter
European countries have sufficient stocks of PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptor missiles for Patriot systems to meet Ukraine's minimum needs throughout the winter. However, specific volumes of their transfer to Kyiv have not yet been agreed, and most American supplies are directed to the Middle East.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this on October 16 during a briefing in Brussels following talks with European leaders.
According to the president, he handed over to the heads of European states calculations of the minimum number of PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles needed to protect Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure in the winter period.
"Is there enough PAC-2, PAC-3 in Europe for Ukraine to get through the winter? Yes, according to those figures I announced, which we would like to receive for the winter time. These figures are in Europe", - Zelenskyy said.
At the same time, he clarified that he does not yet know how many missiles European partners will agree to transfer. Some countries already have relevant plans, but the total volume of assistance has not yet been determined.
The president explained that when calculating minimum needs, Ukraine proceeds from the limited capabilities of air defense. In particular, it is about the need to use interceptor missiles as economically as possible.
Ukraine lost priority in Patriot missile supplies
Zelenskyy acknowledged that there is a sharp shortage of PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles worldwide. A significant portion of available American supplies has already been directed to the Middle East for a long time.
"We are not the number one priority for allocation of PAC-2, PAC-3", - the president emphasized.
According to him, Ukraine continues to receive American missiles through the PURL mechanism, which involves procurement of weapons in the US at the expense of European partners.
"This is not free and this is not gifts", - Zelenskyy underlined.
In addition to American supplies, Kyiv is negotiating the transfer of interceptors with European and other states that have appropriate stocks.
The president noted that sometimes Ukraine manages to receive only small batches - two, five or ten missiles at a time. However, even such volumes are needed to protect the population and energy infrastructure.
Ukraine is counting on its own anti-ballistic missile system
In parallel, Ukraine, together with European partners, is working on creating its own FREYJA anti-ballistic missile defense system.
According to Zelenskyy, the new system should be cheaper and suitable for faster mass production compared with existing solutions. Ukraine plans to use it not only for its own defense but also in cooperation with other European countries.
The president also reminded about agreements with Germany regarding future production and supply of interceptor missiles. The relevant batches are expected in 2027-2028, so they do not solve the urgent problem of ensuring Ukrainian air defense this winter.
Earlier, "Kurs Ukrainy" reported, citing CNN, about critical depletion of Patriot missile stocks in Ukraine. According to the TV channel, the shortage of interceptors has already affected the ability of air defense to repel Russian ballistic strikes.
Thus, although Zelenskyy assesses European stocks as sufficient for Ukraine's minimum winter needs, the actual strengthening of air defense will depend on partners' decisions on missile transfer. The president did not name specific terms for the delivery of additional batches.
Based on materials: Briefing by Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Brussels, European Pravda, Office of the President of Ukraine