Zelensky Urgently Asks Trump for 'Winter Package' of Patriot Missiles to Prevent 'Catastrophe'
President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked US President Donald Trump for an emergency batch of about 300 Patriot interceptor missiles to protect Ukraine's energy grid from Russian strikes this winter. Without them, millions could face power cuts and no heating, Zelensky said in an interview with Axios.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has made an urgent appeal to US President Donald Trump for a special 'winter package' of Patriot air defense interceptor missiles. In an interview with Axios, Zelensky warned that without additional missiles, Russia could launch widespread attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure during the winter, leading to a 'catastrophe' where millions of people would be left without electricity and heating.
According to Zelensky, Ukraine hopes to receive about 300 interceptor missiles before the winter season. He emphasized that even if licenses for production were granted, manufacturing the missiles would take one to five years – far too long under current circumstances. 'We needed Patriots yesterday,' Zelensky stated.
The Ukrainian leader noted that Trump promised to try to help but pointed out the difficulty due to the United States' own needs related to the war with Iran. Zelensky also said Ukraine is ready to provide Washington with military technology and expert knowledge in exchange for the necessary air and missile defense systems.
