Zelensky says no clear answer from Trump on Patriot missile aid for Ukraine
Quick Look
- Ukrainian President Zelensky stated he received no concrete response from US President Trump regarding a request for Patriot missile supplies, noting a shortage.
- EU countries approved an exception allowing Ukraine to buy missiles using EU funds, and the UK pledged £100 million for US-made Patriot missiles.
- Russia claims Western arms prolong the conflict without changing battlefield dynamics.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Ukraine has been seeking additional Patriot missile supplies to bolster its air defense amid ongoing Russian invasion. The EU previously approved funding mechanisms allowing joint procurement, while individual nations like the UK have committed bilateral aid.
MOSCOW, September 22. /TASS/. Vladimir Zelensky said he had not received a clear answer from US President Donald Trump to the request to help Ukraine with missiles for Patriot air defense systems.
"I did not receive a concrete response to the request to help with missiles for Patriots. We have a [shortage] of them," Zelensky said at a press conference.
According to Zelensky, he is ready to use various schemes to obtain missiles for air defense.
On September 8, EU countries approved an exception that allows Ukraine to purchase missiles for Patriot systems using funds from the EU’s 90 billion euro funding program. Kiev previously officially requested permission from the European Commission to purchase the US missiles, as the program operates under a rule that gives priority to the weapons purchases from European military companies.
The United Kingdom’s Defense Ministry said that the country will allocate 100 million pounds ($135 million) to purchase missiles for Patriot systems from the United States for Ukraine’s needs.
Moscow has repeatedly emphasized that the West’s supply of weapons to Kiev and assistance in training Ukrainian military personnel only prolong the conflict and do not change the situation on the battlefield.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Ukraine will receive Patriot missiles through EU funding channels within the next 3 months
Likely · Within months
The UK will complete its £100 million Patriot missile purchase for Ukraine within 6 months
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What specific type and quantity of missiles is Ukraine seeking?
- Has the US administration made a final decision on the missile request?
- When will the EU-funded missile purchases be delivered?
