Ukraine is running short of missiles for Patriot air defence systems, which intercept Russian ballistic missiles. President Zelensky urged partners to ensure timely deliveries of anti-ballistic missiles and not to postpone supplies of US weaponry under the PURL programme.
He said this while speaking to media representatives together with Rob Etten.
According to Zelensky, Russia is placing its main emphasis in the war on ballistic strikes, especially ahead of winter. Therefore, Ukraine needs additional support from partners to secure missiles capable of intercepting such targets.
"We need special assistance right now specifically in providing anti-ballistic capability. This resource exists in Europe, and our partners in America have it," the president said.
He also stressed the importance of the PURL programme functioning properly and called on the US side not to delay weapons deliveries within its framework.
"We are counting very much on support for this at all levels," Zelensky noted.
The president underlined that delays in missile deliveries lead to losses and destruction, as Russia continues to attack Ukrainian cities and communities with ballistic missiles every day.
"Every day of delay for us means losses and destruction, given that Russia’s ballistic operation against our cities and communities continues daily without interruption. Appropriate supplies are needed," the head of state stressed.
- Ukraine is short of interceptor missiles for the MIM-104 Patriot systems. This is the only system in Ukraine capable of effectively shooting down Iskander-M, Kinzhal and Zircon missiles flying on ballistic and quasi-ballistic trajectories. As a result, there is a trend towards declining effectiveness in countering these types of missiles.
- For years, Kyiv has urged Washington to grant it 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, Trump, but he has not spoken of a final agreement to grant Ukraine the licences.
- Earlier, Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara said that, with partner support and an EU loan, Ukraine is signing contracts to supply around a thousand missiles for Patriot air defence systems.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is holding talks on obtaining licences to produce missiles for Patriot air defence systems directly with President Trump and at the level of teams and manufacturers.
- EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas said that “some countries” have stocks of Patriot interceptors and it would be good if they handed them over to Ukraine”.
- Western media reported that Greece and Spain have PAC-2 missiles in storage whose shelf life is expiring.
- The Associated Press reported that Kyiv has received about 600 interceptors over more than four years during the full-scale invasion, while in the Persian Gulf the US used 1,500 missiles in just a few months.