President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Ukraine is ready to purchase air defense systems and other weaponry from the United States worth between $30 and $50 billion, viewing these acquisitions as a form of security guarantees.
During a meeting with journalists, as reported by RBC-Ukraine, Zelensky also noted that Ukraine has not yet exhausted the military aid package approved by the previous Biden administration.
“As for the aid under Biden – I honestly don’t recall specific timelines. It seems to me the assistance has been coming outside of any clear deadlines all this time. So, I wouldn’t tie it to timing. What matters is the amount of money. Has it been used up? No. There is still something we can count on,” Zelensky said.
However, Ukraine has already submitted its request to the US for the additional weapons package it intends to purchase.
“We have submitted a large package to the American side that we want to buy. Buy in one form or another. That’s our format – how we’ll pay for it,” Zelensky said.
He emphasized that Ukraine is not asking for the new military support package from the US to be free of charge. According to him, Kyiv is prepared to pay for the weapons, particularly air defense systems, and sees such a deal as the basis for the security guarantees it seeks.
“We see this as a kind of security guarantee. How do we connect our agreement to a security guarantee? Very simply. Give us the package – we will pay for it. We consider this package, which includes air defense and other critical tools we urgently need, as a security guarantee. That’s how it all fits together,” Zelensky said.
He also revealed that he had discussed air defense deliveries with US President Donald Trump, requesting to purchase defense systems worth tens of billions of dollars.
“I told him over the phone: give us at least ten [billion]. It’s about protection; it will help us after the war ends. It’s a security guarantee that Ukraine is covered by air defense. There are many formats and tools we are ready for. We were prepared to find even $30 or $50 billion for the right package,” Zelensky said.