Zelenskyy: Ukraine Awaits U.S. Decisions on Patriot Missiles, Drone Funding
(MENAFN) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Monday that Kyiv is currently awaiting critical decisions from the United States regarding the delivery of Patriot missile systems and funding for the PURL initiative. He emphasized Ukraine’s preparedness to engage in joint arms manufacturing with global allies.
“We have proposed to the US the purchase of the necessary number of systems. Also on the table is our proposal on drones,” Zelenskyy stated during his evening address, highlighting that Ukraine’s drone technology is already proving its battlefield value.
With over $2 billion already allocated to the program and an additional $1.5 billion pledged, Zelenskyy underscored the urgency of receiving these funds and supplies. “More than 2 billion dollars are already in the program, another one and a half billion have been announced. We are waiting for these revenues and, accordingly, supplies. And a lot depends on partners – good dynamics with Europe, we expect decisions from the United States of America. In particular, regarding the Patriots – this is very important,” he said.
The PURL (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List) initiative, spearheaded by the US and NATO, aims to expedite the provision of weapons and equipment to bolster Ukraine’s defense.
Zelenskyy also highlighted Ukraine’s offer of “serious opportunities not only to invest in production in Ukraine” but also to develop joint defense industrial complexes internationally. “For the first time in history, Ukraine will have modern joint arms production with strong countries,” he remarked.
The president noted that progress in cooperation with European partners has been made, but significant decisions now hinge on Washington.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal reported a “substantive meeting” in Kyiv with EU Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius to discuss the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, which has attracted participation from 19 countries.
SAFE is a fresh European Union effort offering €150 billion ($176.7 billion) in affordable loans to member states aimed at enhancing their defense capacities.
“We count on effective cooperation, as this mechanism will support the development of Ukraine’s defense industry,” Shmyhal said, emphasizing the need for increased funding dedicated to drone production, including FPV drones, interceptor drones, and long-range UAVs.
He expressed gratitude to the EU for establishing the “Drone Alliance” and for its financial support, stressing that consistent budgetary backing remains crucial.
Last week, Kyiv engaged in multiple discussions with US and European officials, pressing for more air defense systems, additional Patriot batteries, and stronger military-industrial collaboration.
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