Zelensky Eyes U.S. Support: Patriots for the Sky, Money for the Ground!
According to the English section of webangah news Agency, citing Anatolia via Mehr News Agency, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine is ready to engage in joint weapons production with its international partners. He added that they are currently awaiting decisions from the United States regarding the provision of Patriot air defense systems and funding for the PURL program.
Zelensky highlighted that Ukraine’s drone capabilities have already demonstrated significant impact. He said, ”We have proposed purchasing needed systems from the United States. In addition, our proposal regarding drones remains on the table.” He disclosed that more than $2 billion has been invested in this initiative, with an additional $1.5 billion committed. “we are waiting for thes funds and subsequently the equipment,” he noted. Zelensky emphasized much depends on their partners, pointing out strong relations with Europe and stressing they await U.S. decisions-especially concerning Patriots, which he described as a very vital matter.
The PURL (Priority Ukrainian Requirements List) program was launched by the U.S. and NATO to accelerate weaponry and equipment deliveries to Ukraine to strengthen its defensive capabilities.
The Ukrainian president stressed that Ukraine has made serious proposals not only for investing in domestic equipment production but also for establishing joint industrial complexes abroad.
He added: ”For the first time in history, Ukraine has a modern joint weapons production line with powerful countries. Cooperation with Europe is accelerating, much of which depends on Washington’s decisions.”
Earlier, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal met in Kyiv with Andrius Kubilius, European Union commissioner for Defense industry and Space, describing it as an “important meeting” where they discussed the Security Action For Europe (SAFE) initiative – now joined by 19 countries.
This EU initiative provides member states with $150 billion in low-interest loans aimed at strengthening their defensive capacities.
