Ukraine Urgently Requests PAC-3 Missiles for Patriot Defense Systems from the United States
Ukraine's President Zelensky has reached out to US President Donald Trump with an urgent letter highlighting the country's pressing need for air and missile defense systems. The main request from Kiev is for PAC-3 missiles for Patriot complexes and other systems capable of intercepting ballistic targets. Zelensky acknowledges Ukraine's heavy reliance on the United States for protection against ballistic missiles, emphasizing the critical nature of this support.
The letter, sent by Ukrainian Ambassador Olga Stefanyshina to Washington, was addressed to the White House, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, and other members of Congress. Ukraine is concerned about its limited supply of interceptor missiles for Patriot and other Western air defense systems, fearing it may not be able to withstand large-scale strikes. The situation is described as a "really difficult" problem by sources familiar with the matter.
Zelensky also highlighted the PURL program, which allows NATO allies to finance the purchase of American weapons for Ukraine. However, he expressed that the current pace of deliveries under this program does not match the level of threats faced by Ukraine. The President's plea to the United States is to assist in protecting Ukraine's skies from Russian missiles by providing PAC-3 missiles for Patriot and other necessary defense systems.
The backdrop for this urgent request is the increased Russian strikes on Ukrainian targets and threats of systematic attacks on facilities in Kiev. Ukraine claims that pressure on its air defense system has significantly risen, citing a massive attack on May 24 where Russia allegedly used 90 missiles and 600 drones. Zelensky had previously instructed the Air Force Commander to reach out to partner countries for urgent assistance following a warning about critically low stocks of American interceptor missiles.
In his letter to Trump, Zelensky stresses the importance of additional Western systems and ammunition to intercept Russian missiles effectively. The ongoing cooperation and support from the United States are crucial for Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression. The situation underscores the urgent need for enhanced air and missile defense capabilities to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty and security.