Ukraine is prepared to finance additional Patriot air defense systems and interceptor missiles, Kyiv’s ambassador to Washington Olha Stefanishyna said when commenting on President Volodymyr Zelensky’s appeal for more support.
Stefanishyna on Thursday said Ukraine’s message to Washington is that diplomatic developments have not changed the situation on the battlefield as Russian missile attacks intensify.
JOIN US ON TELEGRAM
Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.
“The reality on the ground is not changing. People are dying,” she said in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
She added that Ukraine’s ability to defend against ballistic missile attacks depends largely on US-provided systems.
“The only thing that is exclusively in the hands of the US government is the ability to intercept ballistic missiles,” Stefanishyna said. “And this is the defense capability that we need, and the only one that we are truly desperate to negotiate with the United States.”
Ukraine willing to fund additional systems
Stefanishyna said Kyiv “can definitely pay for” additional Patriot systems and missiles if the US agrees to supply them.
Her comments followed Zelensky’s letter to the White House and the US Congress, warning of shortages as Russia escalates missile strikes.
Earlier, Zelensky described Patriot systems as the most effective means of defense against Russian ballistic missiles.
He said current delivery timelines no longer reflect the scale of the threat and called for faster support.
Ankara Сracks Down on Critics Ahead of Nato Summit
“The current pace of deliveries through the PURL program no longer corresponds to the reality of the threats we face,” Zelensky added, referring to NATO’s Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), through which NATO helps finance US weaponry for Kyiv.
“Air defense saves lives”
Republican Congressman Joe Wilson supported Ukraine’s request, describing Kyiv as a key partner.
“Air defense saves lives, and Ukraine is a proven partner in the fight against terrorism,” Wilson reported.
Similarly, Former US Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor said Patriot systems remain critical as Russia continues targeting cities.
“The need for ballistic missile defense systems such as Patriot is critical,” Taylor said.
The White House had not publicly responded to Zelensky’s request amid intensified Russian strikes.
You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter
Russia Hit by 660-Drone Overnight Barrage Targeting Moscow, Crimea and Key Military Sites
