Ukraine needs 25 Patriot air defence systems to fully defend its airspace and protect the entire country from Russian missile attacks, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said.
The Ukrainian leader added 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, Mr Zelenskiy said he is ready to work with Donald Trump if he wins November’s American election.
“I am not afraid” of that prospect, Mr Zelenskiy said, adding he is convinced that most Republicans support Ukraine in its war with Russia.
On Sunday, Mr Zelenskiy said he was “appalled” by the attempt to assassinate Mr 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.
Mr Zelenskiy has proved talented at persuading friendly countries to provide ever more support, even if he does not always get what he wants immediately.
A six-month delay in military assistance from the US, the biggest single contributor to Ukraine, meant that Kyiv’s forces “lost the initiative” on the front line, Mr Zelenskiy said.
Since the US aid resumed in April, Ukraine has been scrambling to block a Russian offensive in eastern areas.
Mr Zelenskiy did not 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 US and other Nato allies promised last week to provide Ukraine with dozens of air defence systems in the coming months, including at least four of the sophisticated and expensive Patriot systems.
Unwavering faith in victory and a just peace for Ukraine is very important; in the idea that life will overcome this war and all the evil it brings.
Today, we prayed for this in the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, and also for protection and blessings for the Ukrainian people and our… pic.twitter.com/G2KGj2PXiI— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 15, 2024
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, Mr Zelenskiy said.
He acknowledged the deliveries will not, 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, Zelenskiy 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.
He added that a Ukrainian government reshuffle is in the cards. “We are discussing various changes with some ministers,” Mr Zelenskiy said.
Efforts to mobilise more troops are going according to plan, though Ukraine does not have enough training grounds and 14 brigades have not yet received promised Western weapons.
