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🇮🇹 Italy /Conflict & Security

Zelenskyy urges U.S. to send 10% of Patriot missiles to destroy Russian rockets

From ANSA · () Italian

Translated from Italian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the U.S. to provide 10% of its Patriot missile systems to destroy Russian ballistic missiles.
  • Zelenskyy stated Ukraine needs interceptor missiles urgently to counter increasing Russian attacks, noting that 5% of U.S. Patriot stocks could suffice for winter.
  • He expressed hope for a U.S. commitment to allow Ukraine to produce Patriot missiles but noted current doubts and the ongoing challenge of securing sufficient interceptors.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made a direct appeal to the United States, requesting 10% of its Patriot missile systems to counter Russia's ballistic missile attacks. "Sell Ukraine 10% of your US Patriots, and we will destroy all Russian ballistic missiles," Zelenskyy stated in an interview with CNN.

He emphasized Ukraine's urgent need for interceptor missiles, explaining that even 5% of American Patriot stocks would be enough to get through the winter. Kyiv is actively negotiating with allies for more missiles and exploring the possibility of obtaining a license for domestic production.

Sell Ukraine 10% of your US Patriots, and we will destroy all Russian ballistic missiles.

— Volodymyr ZelenskyyUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's appeal to the U.S. for missile defense systems.

Zelenskyy highlighted the dire situation, noting that Ukraine possesses only a tenth of the interceptors it requires from the U.S. to halt the wave of Russian ballistic missile assaults. According to the United Nations, July marked the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since April 2022.

I hope to get it. Currently, I do not have that 5% nor have I received such approval. And for me, this is one of the biggest challenges I have faced since the beginning of the war.

— Volodymyr ZelenskyyZelenskyy's concerns about securing U.S. approval for Ukraine to produce Patriot missiles.

The Ukrainian president also voiced concerns about the practical realization of a potential U.S. commitment to allow domestic Patriot missile production. "I hope to get it," Zelenskyy said, adding, "Currently, I do not have that 5% nor have I received such approval. And for me, this is one of the biggest challenges I have faced since the beginning of the war."

Zelenskyy believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is not ready to end the war and lacks sufficient pressure. He ruled out territorial concessions, stating that Putin might target smaller countries like Ukraine to test NATO unity, regardless of whether they are members. "He doesn't know how to end this war without a large occupation or a great victory in the eyes of his society. It's easier for him to target a smaller country: it won't make a difference to him whether it's part of NATO or not," the Ukrainian president concluded.

He doesn't know how to end this war without a large occupation or a great victory in the eyes of his society. It's easier for him to target a smaller country: it won't make a difference to him whether it's part of NATO or not.

— Volodymyr ZelenskyyZelenskyy's assessment of Russian President Vladimir Putin's motivations and potential actions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ANSA in Italian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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