Ukraine requires 25 Patriot air defense systems to fully protect its airspace from Russian missile attacks, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Monday. He also urged Western partners to send more F-16 warplanes than those already pledged.
In his first press conference since returning from the United States, Zelenskyy expressed readiness to cooperate with Donald Trump if he wins the upcoming election. “I am not afraid” of that scenario, he said, noting his belief that most Republicans support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
Zelenskyy also commented on Sunday that he was “appalled” by the assassination attempt on Trump and wished him a speedy recovery.
Western support remains crucial for Ukraine as it contends with Russia’s larger and better-equipped military. Zelenskyy has been effective in securing increasing aid from friendly nations, even if not all his requests are met immediately.
A six-month delay in U.S. military assistance, Ukraine’s largest single contributor, caused Kyiv’s forces to “lose the initiative” on the front lines, Zelenskyy noted. Since the resumption of U.S. aid in April, Ukraine has been working to counter a Russian offensive in the eastern regions.
Zelenskyy did not specify how many Patriot systems Ukraine currently has, but it is significantly fewer than the 25 he says are needed, especially as Russia continues to target the national power grid.
Last week, the U.S. and other NATO allies committed to providing Ukraine with dozens of air defense systems in the coming months, including at least four of the advanced and costly Patriot systems.
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F-16 warplanes from Western nations are expected to arrive in Ukraine in two phases: the first batch this summer and the second by the end of the year, according to Zelenskyy. However, he acknowledged that these deliveries alone won’t be a decisive factor in the war, given the much larger Russian air force. Ukraine will need additional warplanes, he said.
Regarding other matters, Zelenskyy mentioned:
— Russia should attend a second international peace discussion, as it was absent from the first. No date has been set for this second meeting.
— A Ukrainian government reshuffle is being considered. “We are discussing various changes with some ministers,” Zelenskyy said.
— Efforts to mobilize more troops are on track, although Ukraine lacks sufficient training grounds and 14 brigades have yet to receive promised Western weapons.
