Ukraine is seeking to purchase at least 10 Patriot missile defense systems from the United States to strengthen its defense against ongoing Russian attacks. This announcement was made by President Volodymyr Zelensky during a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday.
Zelensky stated that he has formally requested the acquisition from U.S. President Donald Trump, who reassured him that the United States would “work on it.” During their phone conversation, Zelensky emphasized to Trump the minimum number of systems that Ukraine is prepared to buy.
The Patriot missile defense system is engineered to counter and neutralize various threats, including incoming short-range ballistic missiles, advanced aircraft, and cruise missiles. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Patriot system represents the most expensive single weapon system supplied by the United States to Ukraine.
The estimated total cost of the Patriot missile defense package is approximately $1.1 billion, which includes around $400 million for the systems themselves and about $690 million allocated for the missiles. Kyiv has consistently appealed to its allies for enhanced air defense capabilities, citing concerns about potential shortages as it faces frequent Russian assaults.
