Zelenskyy urges allies to lend Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine

Ukraine is calling on European countries to temporarily provide air defence systems, including Patriot missiles, to help protect civilians, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on October 24.

Speaking at the Coalition of the Willing Leaders’ Meeting, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is negotiating with the United States to purchase additional Patriot systems but warned deliveries could take time due to a backlog of international orders, Caliber.Az reports per the presidential website. 

“There is a line of countries waiting for deliveries – and we’re trying to change the line, and it is not an easy task,” he said.

Zelenskyy noted that several Patriot systems and other air defence assets are already stationed in Europe and could be deployed immediately to safeguard lives.

He urged countries with available systems to consider temporarily lending them to Ukraine, with the understanding that they would be replaced later once US deliveries arrive.

"And it would be very useful if we could get these systems now also from Europe and then replace them later when our turn comes in the deal with the Americans. And I ask every country that has these systems to consider this practically," he added. 

By Sabina Mammadli