Zelensky to Trump: Patriot Missiles Were Needed Yesterday
Ukraine's president urgently asks the US for air defense missiles, fearing Russian strikes on energy infrastructure this winter.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on US President Donald Trump to urgently provide Ukraine with a stock of air defense missiles to protect the country from potential Russian attacks on energy infrastructure in winter, Axios reports.
During the conversation, Zelensky stressed that Ukraine desperately needs a so-called “winter package” – additional Patriot interceptor missiles. He warned that without such support, Russia could launch massive strikes on the energy system, causing a catastrophe for millions of people who would be left without electricity and heating.
Zelensky noted that even if Ukraine were allowed to produce these missiles itself, manufacturing would take one to five years – far too long given the current situation. “Patriot was needed yesterday,” the president said. Ukraine hopes to receive about 300 interceptors before winter.
According to Zelensky, Trump promised to try to help but pointed out that the situation is complicated by US involvement in the war with Iran. As a possible exchange, Ukraine offered to share its military technology and expert knowledge with Washington in return for the necessary resources to strengthen missile defense.
