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Zelenskyy Vows Response to Russian Attacks, Announces “Mega Deal” for US Air Defense Systems
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![Photo of Liubava Petriv]( "Photo of Liubava Petriv")
Following Russia’s recent strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine must respond decisively.
During a briefing on October 10, journalists asked whether Ukraine would consider causing a blackout in Moscow.
“Our task after these strikes is to respond to the enemy. Our task, first and foremost, is to protect ourselves,” Zelenskyy said.
He noted that Russian forces had stockpiled precision weapons and waited for rain and fog, which hinder air defense, particularly aviation.
“They know what they are doing. And we know what we must do,” he added.
Zelenskyy also announced that the Ukrainian delegation plans to propose an agreement with the United States for the purchase of advanced air defense systems and the HIMARS artillery system, including modifications for tactical ATACMS missiles.
The President called these planned arms acquisitions a “mega deal.”
“The most important part of this deal is the air defense systems. We are ready to purchase them, and we are ready to engage various types of programs. PURL is among them. There are also bilateral agreements. Partners understand that funds need to be allocated for air defense systems, primarily American, but not only,” Zelenskyy said.
Details from the briefing indicate that the Ukrainian delegation will prioritize the purchase of Patriot air defense systems, which Ukraine already operates.
“We are receiving positive signals regarding the release of funds from frozen Russian assets. It is not exactly a release; there is another scheme through partner guarantees. I would very much like the United Kingdom to join the PURL program. We have very strong and good relations,” Zelenskyy said.
The President further stressed that Ukraine’s Defense Forces require weapons not only for defense but also for long-range strikes, including HIMARS, ATACMS, and TOMAHAWK missiles.
Earlier, it was reported that Russian forces launched a large-scale strike on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure overnight, targeting energy facilities across the country with hundreds of drones and missiles. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the attack, carried out amid falling autumn temperatures, amounts to genocide.
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