KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine needs 25 Patriot air defense systems to fully defend its airspace and protect the entire country from Russian missile attacks, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday, adding that he also wants Western partners to send more F-16 warplanes than those already pledged.
In his first news conference since returning from a trip to the United States, Zelenskyy said he is ready to work with Donald Trump if he wins November’s election. “I am not afraid” of that prospect, Zelenskyy said, adding he is convinced that most Republicans support Ukraine in its war with Russia.
Zelenskyy said on Sunday he was “appalled” by the attempt to assassinate Trump and wished him a speedy recovery.
Western support is crucial for Ukraine as it tries to beat back Russia’s bigger and better-equipped invading army. Zelenskyy has proved talented at persuading friendly countries to provide ever more support, even if he doesn’t always get what he wants immediately.
A six-month delay in military assistance from the U.S., the biggest single contributor to Ukraine, meant that Kyiv’s forces “lost the initiative” on the front line, Zelenskyy said.
Since the U.S. aid resumed in April, Ukraine has been scrambling to block a Russian offensive in eastern areas.
Zelenskyy didn’t say how many Patriot systems Ukraine currently possesses, though it is far fewer than the 25 he says his country needs as Russia has battered the national power grid.
The U.S. and other NATO allies promised last week to provide Ukraine with dozens of air defense systems in the coming months, including at least four of the sophisticated and expensive Patriot systems.
F-16 warplanes pledged by Western countries are due to arrive in Ukraine in two waves: the first batch this summer, and the second by the end of the year, Zelenskyy said.
He acknowledged the deliveries won’t, on their own, be a game-changer in the war, given that the Russian air force is far larger. Ukraine will need more warplanes, he said.
Commenting on other issues, Zelenskyy said:
—Russia should be present at a second international gathering to discuss peace. Russia was absent from the first meeting. There is no date for a second gathering.
—A Ukrainian government reshuffle is in the cards. “We are discussing various changes with some ministers,” Zelenskyy said.
—Efforts to mobilize more troops are going according to plan, though Ukraine doesn’t have enough training grounds and 14 brigades haven’t yet received promised Western weapons.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has recently called for increased military support for Ukraine in the face of ongoing tensions with Russia. In a speech to the Ukrainian parliament, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for additional military equipment to bolster the country’s defense capabilities.
One of the key requests made by Zelenskyy is for the United States to provide Ukraine with 25 Patriot air defense systems. The Patriot system is a surface-to-air missile system that is designed to detect, track, and intercept incoming missiles and aircraft. By acquiring these systems, Ukraine would significantly enhance its ability to defend against potential aerial threats, particularly from Russian forces.
In addition to the Patriot air defense systems, Zelenskyy also called for the United States to provide Ukraine with additional F-16 warplanes. The F-16 is a versatile multi-role fighter aircraft that is used by numerous countries around the world. By adding more F-16s to its fleet, Ukraine would be able to enhance its air superiority and conduct more effective combat missions.
Zelenskyy’s calls for increased military support come at a time of heightened tensions between Ukraine and Russia. The two countries have been engaged in a conflict since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and supported separatist movements in eastern Ukraine. Despite a ceasefire agreement being in place, sporadic fighting continues in the region, and there are concerns that the situation could escalate further.
The United States has been a key ally of Ukraine in its efforts to resist Russian aggression. Over the years, the US has provided military aid to Ukraine, including weapons, training, and financial assistance. However, Zelenskyy believes that more support is needed to ensure Ukraine’s security and sovereignty.
It remains to be seen whether the United States will fulfill Zelenskyy’s requests for additional military equipment. The Biden administration has expressed support for Ukraine and has imposed sanctions on Russia for its actions in the region. However, providing advanced military hardware such as Patriot air defense systems and F-16 warplanes could be a more significant step that may require careful consideration.
In conclusion, Zelenskyy’s calls for increased military support for Ukraine underscore the ongoing security challenges facing the country. By acquiring advanced military equipment such as Patriot air defense systems and F-16 warplanes, Ukraine would be better positioned to defend itself against potential threats from Russia. It is now up to the United States and other allies to determine how best to support Ukraine in its efforts to maintain stability and security in the region.
