Zelenskyy suggests when West might send seven Patriot systems to Ukraine

Archive photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)

A decision to transfer seven Patriot systems to Ukraine could be made at the NATO summit in Washington, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The President again called on NATO to provide more F-16 fighter jets and Patriot air defense systems.

According to him, Ukraine needs a lot of Patriot systems, but it will agree to get at least seven to protect regions critical to the national economy and energy sector.

The New York Times writes that Zelenskyy suggested that the decision on the transfer of Patriot could be made when NATO leaders gather for a summit in Washington in July.

“Do you think it is too much for the NATO anniversary summit in Washington? For a country that is fighting for freedom and democracy around the world today?” he asked.

Patriot for Ukraine

Ukraine urgently needs anti-ballistic missile defense systems like the Patriot. Therefore, Ukrainian officials have been constantly calling for the transfer of Patriot systems to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, NZZ reported a severe global shortage of Patriot launchers and missiles. Ukraine and Israel have the highest demand for ammunition for air defense systems.