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Ukraine Needs At Least 10 More Patriot Systems to Stop Russian Ballistic Attacks, Zelenskyy Says

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Amira Barkhush
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Ukraine Needs At Least 10 More Patriot Systems to Stop Russian Ballistic Attacks, Zelenskyy Says
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, stands in front of a Patriot anti-aircraft missile system during his visit to a military training area on June 11, 2024 in Mecklenburg, Germany. (Source: Getty Images)

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine needs at least 10 Patriot missile systems to defend against ongoing Russian ballistic missile attacks, speaking just days before the upcoming summit at Ramstein Airbase in Germany, on April 9.

“We have repeatedly raised this issue with the American side and with everyone in Europe who is in a position to help. We are counting on decisions,” Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy stressed that the American-made Patriot systems have proven to be the most effective in intercepting ballistic missiles.

At the same time, he noted that while there are enough air defense systems in the world, what’s lacking is the political will to provide them.

“The systems do exist. There are even enough Patriots in the world to guarantee protection from Russian terror once and for all. But this requires a political decision – a decision by our partners, ‘ Zelenskyy added.

On April 6, following a large-scale overnight Russian missile and drone attack on multiple Ukrainian regions, Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense and proposed the localization of air defense system production within Ukraine, contingent on political decisions from international partners.

“We need to strengthen our air defense – this is an objective reality,” Zelenskyy said. “All agreements previously reached with partners that have not yet been implemented must be urgently activated. Patriots currently in storage abroad should be used to protect lives.”

As of March 2025, Ukraine is reported to have six Patriot systems. Their exact locations are classified, given that they rank among Russia’s highest-priority targets.

The Patriot air defense system is a surface-to-air missile system developed by the United States. It’s designed to detect, track, and shoot down incoming threats such as ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft.

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