Zelenskyy: Europe must build alternative to U.S. Patriot missiles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for Europe to rapidly develop its own anti-ballistic missile production, stating that the continent cannot afford to wait until 2030 for such vital defense capabilities.

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Europe needs to be able to produce cheap, accessible anti-ballistic systems as quickly as possible. Actually, today.

Speaking ahead of a NATO summit, Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need for "cheap, accessible anti-ballistic systems" to protect European populations. He pointed out that Ukraine is currently heavily dependent on American Patriot missiles for air defense against Russian missile strikes, which continue to cause civilian casualties. The effectiveness of these systems is crucial, especially as they are used to counter heavy Russian missiles that bypass drone defenses.

The global supply of Patriot missiles has become strained, partly due to significant purchases by Gulf states seeking protection from Iran. Simultaneously, both Europe and the United States are struggling to expand their defense industries to meet the demand for various military equipment, including air defense systems and artillery shells.

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It is primarily about providing the greatest possible protection. Protection for several hundred million Europeans.

Zelenskyy stressed that air defense should be the highest priority, providing protection for "hundreds of millions of Europeans." He asserted that while Ukraine can produce other military needs independently, air defense requires the "willpower and decisions" of its partners. He urged NATO countries to make air defense a top priority for defense investments at the upcoming summit, highlighting that the need is immediate, not years away.

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That protection is needed today. Not in several years. Air defense is our highest priority. We can deliver everything else ourselves, but when it comes to air defense, we need the willpower and decisions of our partners.