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Zelenskyy Meets NATO Chief Rutte in Odesa, Pushes for More Air Defense Support
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![Amira_barkhush]( "Photo of Amira Barkhush")
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on April 15 in Odesa, according to a report by a Ukrinform correspondent.
Zelenskyy stated that the discussions focused on Ukraine’s need for air defense systems, as well as other types of weaponry.
“We are counting on the realization of our agreements on air defense systems in Europe and the US. We need Patriot systems, and we are ready to unite and find the funds to purchase them. These systems exist in the world, and it is solely up to the leaders’ decisions whether we will have enough protection from Russian ballistic threats,” Zelenskyy said.
He emphasized that not only Ukraine but all of Europe must unite for security, produce more weapons, and establish more joint defense industries.
“Only through determination can lasting peace be achieved. The stability and predictability of support for Ukraine provide the right incentive for Russia to engage in diplomacy,” Zelenskyy added.
In an interview with CBS, published on April 14, Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is ready to purchase ten Patriot air defense systems from the United States for $15 billion, with European partners prepared to help finance the deal.
“For 35 days, Putin has ignored the American proposal for a complete ceasefire. The recent Russian strikes on Kryvyi Rih, Sumy, and other cities demonstrate that Russia is determined to continue the war and is exerting pressure on the West, rather than feeling pressure itself,” said Zelenskyy.
He emphasized that the work within the coalition of willing and capable nations to guarantee Ukraine’s security is crucial moving forward.
“Britain, France, and other NATO countries are already actively preparing the foundation for a security contingent. It is important that we are quick and effective in this process,” Zelenskyy stated.
In turn, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte condemned the Russian attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims in Sumy and Kryvyi Rih.
“NATO stands with Ukraine. Recently, there have been questions about NATO’s support, but our backing is unquestionable. NATO continues to provide political and other forms of assistance to Ukraine. Through security training in Wiesbaden, we are growing closer,” Rutte said.
“In the first three months of this year, NATO partners have already provided over €20 billion in aid to Ukraine. We want Ukraine to remain sovereign and strong, capable of resisting any aggression.”
Additionally, Rutte and Zelenskyy visited a hospital where Ukrainian defenders are recovering from injuries.
On April 14, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on European governments to support Ukraine’s efforts to develop its own strategic-level air defense system.
