Zelensky seeks Trump's approval for Patriot interceptor missiles
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the White House on Tuesday to seek U.S. President Donald Trump's approval for the purchase of a new batch of Patriot interceptor missiles, which Kyiv considers essential for strengthening the country's air defense, AFP reported.
The closed-door meeting comes as Ukraine and Russia continue to intensify their long-range strikes and U.S.-led diplomatic efforts remain stalled more than four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES.
"Our absolute priority is protection against ballistic missiles," Zelensky wrote on X upon his arrival in the United States.
According to the United Nations, June was the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since April 2022, as Russia significantly increased its use of ballistic missiles against Ukrainian cities and towns.
The U.S.-made Patriot system remains the only air defense system capable of intercepting these missiles, but Ukraine is facing a severe shortage of PAC-3 interceptor missiles. The shortage has reportedly worsened following increased U.S. military commitments in the Middle East earlier this year.
A senior Ukrainian official told AFP that Russia plans to expand its missile attacks by deploying additional ballistic missile launchers near the Ukrainian border and expects new deliveries of ballistic missiles from North Korea in August.
"It is crucial that Washington authorizes the purchase of a batch of Patriot missiles," the official said.
The official declined to specify how many missiles Kyiv is requesting, saying only that Ukraine needs "enough to intercept what Putin uses in a month."
"Much will depend on President Trump's mood," the official added.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia launched 120 ballistic and high-speed anti-ship missiles against Ukraine during July, of which only 35 were intercepted.
For comparison, military analysts estimate that Russia launched between 250 and 320 ballistic missiles throughout the whole of 2024.
Photo: White House
