Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky gestures as he speaks during his press-conference in Kyiv on July 15, 2024, amid Russian invasion in Ukraine. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP) (Photo by SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP via Getty Images)SERGEI SUPINSKY/Getty Images
Ukraine needs 25 Patriot air defence systems to fully defend its airspace and protect the entire country from Russian missile attacks, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday, adding that he also wants Western partners to send more F-16 warplanes than those already pledged.
In his first news conference since returning from a trip to the United States, Zelensky said he is ready to work with Donald Trump if he wins November’s election. “I am not afraid” of that prospect, Zelensky said, adding he is convinced that most Republicans support Ukraine in its war with Russia.
Zelensky said on Sunday he was “appalled” by the attempt to assassinate Trump and wished him a speedy recovery.
Western support is crucial for Ukraine as it tries to beat back Russia’s bigger and better-equipped invading army. Zelensky has proved talented at persuading friendly countries to provide ever more support, even if he doesn’t always get what he wants immediately.
A six-month delay in military assistance from the U.S., the biggest single contributor to Ukraine, meant that Kyiv’s forces “lost the initiative” on the front line, Zelensky said.
Since the U.S. aid resumed in April, Ukraine has been scrambling to block a Russian offensive in eastern areas.
Zelensky didn’t say how many Patriot systems Ukraine currently possesses, though it is far fewer than the 25 he says his country needs as Russia has battered the national power grid.
The U.S. and other NATO allies promised last week to provide Ukraine with dozens of air defence systems in the coming months, including at least four of the sophisticated and expensive Patriot systems.
F-16 warplanes pledged by Western countries are due to arrive in Ukraine in two waves: the first batch this summer, and the second by the end of the year, Zelensky said.
He acknowledged the deliveries won’t, on their own, be a game-changer in the war, given that the Russian air force is far larger. Ukraine will need more warplanes, he said.
Commenting on other issues, Zelensky said:
– Russia should be present at a second international gathering to discuss peace. Russia was absent from the first meeting. There is no date for a second gathering.
– A Ukrainian government reshuffle is in the cards. “We are discussing various changes with some ministers,” Zelensky said.
– Efforts to mobilize more troops are going according to plan, though Ukraine doesn’t have enough training grounds and 14 brigades haven’t yet received promised Western weapons.