Ukraine preparing to buy 25 Patriot air defence systems from US, Zelensky says

Ukraine is preparing to sign a contract with the United States for 25 Patriot air defence systems, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday, a move that would significantly strengthen Kyiv’s ability to defend against Russian aerial attacks. Zelensky also expressed willingness to join a summit in Hungary with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin if invited.

“In coordination with US agencies, we held talks with defense companies on air defense systems and are preparing a contract for 25 Patriots,” Zelensky told reporters after meetings with Trump and American weapons manufacturers.

Describing the deal as “a very positive story – complex but long-term,” he noted that production backlogs remain a challenge. “These are the 25 systems we need. The request comes directly from our Air Force and air defense forces,” he said.

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Zelensky added that the systems would be supplied over several years and that Ukraine would seek priority from some European countries in the production queue. Patriots are considered by Kyiv to be the most effective systems against Russian ballistic missiles, which travel multiple times faster than the speed of sound.

On the proposed Hungary summit, Zelensky said he would participate if a trilateral or “shuttle diplomacy” format were arranged. He also referred to a tense White House meeting with Trump on Friday, saying, “After many rounds of discussion over more than two hours with [Trump] and his team, his message, in my view, is positive – that we stand where we stand on the front line.”

Zelensky noted that the White House could prioritize Ukraine in the production queue if there is political will, and European NATO members could also help speed deliveries. He added that Washington might allow Kyiv to use US-owned systems stationed in Europe.

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The Ukrainian president also mentioned the possibility of receiving Tomahawk long-range missiles from European allies if a political decision is made. “European countries also have Tomahawks. The issue is not only which weapons you have, but how you can use them,” he said, adding that many EU leaders support the idea and plan to discuss it directly with Trump.

“We are in constant contact with national security advisers in European countries and are forming a joint position,” Zelensky said, noting that Trump is seeking to avoid escalation with Russia ahead of potential negotiations.