Rocket launched by the Sol-Aer Patriot rocket system, in the CAPU Midia training polygon, June 14, 2024. Photo source: Abaca / Abaca Press / Profimedia
Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski asked Western allies on Friday to urgently provide additional anti-aircraft defense systems, stressing that Ukraine needs ten more Patriot batteries to cope with Russian threats. The call was launched in a video message transmitted from Krivoi ROG, the president's hometown, where a Russian rocket attack killed 19 people last week, of which nine children, according to AFP.
“You know that Ukraine lacks anti -aircraft defense systems. You know that Patriot systems can effectively protect against ballistic threats. I ask you to focus, first of all, on Ukraine's aerial defense. We really need it. Ten Patriot systems – the free world has them,” Zelenski said.
The Kiev leader also asked the Allies to advance in discussions on a possible military development that could discourage future Russian attacks after a possible stop of battles.
“We must establish clear details on the size, structure, development, logistics, support and equipment of the security contingent in Ukraine,” Zelenski said.
Ukraine has repeatedly emphasized that it needs air defense systems such as Patriot to protect themselves from Russian rocket attacks.
The German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said last Friday that Germany cannot currently provide Ukraine new Patriot systems, as Berlin is waiting for deliveries.
Romania donated a system of soil-air patriot rockets to Ukraine in September 2024. Last Friday, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu was asked if Romania will receive a Patriot system in exchange for the one donated last year, given the position of the Alba House administration to the aid for Ukraine.
Ciolacu said that our country will receive a new one, specifying that the purchase has been contracted and already paid.
“I contracted, I also raised the money. We have all the money, we received the money, we have already made the payment. The peak, I am glad to come to a new model,” said Marcel Ciolacu.
It follows the latest developments in the 1143th day of the LiveText Ukraine on Hotnews.ro.
