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Zelenskyy: Ukraine Working to Secure 10 Patriot Systems and $65 Billion in Defense Aid
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that Ukraine is actively working with Western partners to secure 10 Patriot air defense systems and the funding required to keep its critical military industries running—efforts he called essential not only for Ukraine’s survival, but for Europe’s collective security.
The President stated this while speaking with journalists on July 24, as reported by the UNITED24 Media correspondent.
“We have requested 10—that’s what I have publicly said. We are currently working with partners to secure these 10,” Zelenskyy stated. “We would like to have a missile package ready for each system from the start.”
So far, Ukraine has officially received confirmation for three: two from Germany and one from Norway. Discussions with the Netherlands are ongoing, added Zelenskyy.
According to Ukrainian President, US President Donald Trump has agreed to sell Patriot systems to Ukraine. “Our task now is to find funding for all 10 systems,” he said.
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Beyond air defense, Zelenskyy outlined a staggering financial need: $65 billion annually to maintain Ukraine’s core defense capabilities. Of that, $25 billion is required to sustain domestic drone production alone—a sector Ukraine sees as vital to resisting Russia’s full-scale invasion.
“Missiles, drones, electronic warfare systems—this area requires 25 billion per year to operate properly,” Zelenskyy said. “Ukraine also faces a budget deficit of 40 billion a year. That adds up.”
To meet this challenge, Zelenskyy has launched a push for deeper coordination with European and American allies.
“It’s a very difficult issue, but I have already begun working on this with [European Council President] Costa, Ursula [von der Leyen], the Americans, Mark Rutte, Emmanuel [Macron], and Keir [Starmer],” he said.
Zelenskyy also pointed to a shift in mindset among European leaders, who had previously funded only weapons for Ukraine’s military—but not the salaries of its soldiers. “It turns out our servicemembers themselves can be the weapon that protects everyone,” Zelenskyy said.
Production of Patriot components is also progressing in Europe. While Ukraine has not yet secured a domestic license to produce them, Zelenskyy confirmed that a facility is now being established in Germany in coordination with trusted European partners.
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“These systems, and the people who operate them, are part of Ukraine’s defense capability—and part of the security of all Europe,” he said.
Previously, Ukrainian Minster of Defense Denys Shmyhal provided insights into the ongoing efforts to secure critical air defense systems for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. Shmyhal emphasized the key role political agreements between Ukraine and its international partners, including the United States, have played in advancing these discussions.
