Ukraine Ready to Purchase US Defense Package as Security Guarantee, Zelenskyy Announces

On April 9, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is prepared to purchase a significant aid package from the United States, viewing it as a critical component of the country’s security.

In a meeting with journalists, Zelenskyy explained that Ukraine has already presented a substantial package to the US, which it intends to buy in various forms, and clarified that this is not a request for free aid.

“Regarding the additional package, we want it, we are ready, and we have presented a large package to the American side that we want to purchase. Purchase in one form or another. This is our format, how we will pay for it. And we have not asked for the future package to be free. We are counting on it as a security guarantee,” Zelenskyy said.

He emphasized that the package, which includes air defense systems and other necessary tools, is seen as essential for Ukraine’s security, particularly after the war.

“Give us the package, we will pay for it, and we consider this package, which includes air defense and other relevant tools that we really need, as a security guarantee,” he added.

Zelenskyy also mentioned that he had requested at least ten air defense systems from the US.

“This is protection, this will help us after the war ends, it’s a security guarantee that Ukraine will be covered by air defense,” he stressed.

Zelenskyy further stated that Ukraine is prepared to find the necessary funds for such a package, noting, “There are many different formats and tools that we are ready for. We were ready to find 30, even 50 billion for the appropriate package.”

On April 6, following a large-scale overnight Russian missile and drone attack on multiple Ukrainian regions, President Volodymyr 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.