Ukraine receives three patriotic systems and negotiates seven others. The first American system has already reached Kiev, Zelenski announces
Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski announced on Thursday, July 24, that Ukraine has received the official confirmation of the delivery of three Patriot missile defense systems.
Photo: Profimedia
Two of these will be provided by Germany, and one by Norway, the Ukrainian leader said in a meeting with journalists, according to Reuters.
Zelenski also said that discussions with the Netherlands and other European partners are ongoing to obtain seven more patriot systems, within an extended air defense plan.
Financing for three of the ten necessary systems has already been insured, and Ukraine works intensely to identify financial resources for the other seven.
“The President of the United States will transfer these systems, he will sell us. Our task is to find the financing for the ten systems”, Zelenski explained, referring to an agreement with Washington that allows European countries to purchase American weapons to transfer them to Ukraine later, AFP reports.
The British publication The Telegraph reported on Friday that the first patriotic system promised by US President Donald Trump has already arrived in Ukraine, along with a set of missiles. According to the quoted source, the system was delivered a few days after Trump announced, on July 13, a $ 10 billion military aid package for Ukraine.
Subsequently, at the end of the same week, a patriotic system provided by Germany and other intercepting missiles also reached the Ukrainian territory.
Patriot systems have proven effective in destroying Russian ballistic missiles aimed at Ukrainian cities and plays a crucial role in defending infrastructure and civilian population.
In parallel with the efforts to strengthen the anti -aircraft defense, Ukraine is facing a major budget deficit. According to Zelenski's statements, the country needs $ 40 billion to cover the budget next year, and in addition, another $ 25 billion will be needed for the production of missiles, drones and electronic war systems.
