Ukraine is in talks to obtain licences to produce missiles for Patriot air defence systems directly with US President Donald Trump, as well as at the level of teams and manufacturers. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this in an audio comment to journalists.
The process is under way, and there has been a positive response from the American leader. However, preparations for winter are needed.
“I told all our partners that our priority right now is the winter package, winter package. Today I will be discussing this with the Prime Minister of Norway. This is what we agreed on during the visit of the UK Prime Minister,” he said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is grateful to the government and personally to UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham for allocating $135 million to Ukraine for Patriot air defence.
- For years, Ukraine has been calling for licences to produce missiles for Patriot air defence systems. This would not only increase its ability to defend against Russian attacks, but also help NATO countries replenish their stocks. The shortage of air defence assets has become even more acute against the backdrop of the war in the Middle East.
- The previous US administration refused to grant Ukraine the licences. There have been positive signals from the current White House chief, Donald Trump, but he has not spoken of final agreement to grant Ukraine the licences.