Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukraine is prepared to purchase 10 U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems for $15 billion, aiming to bolster the country’s defenses against ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks. In an interview released on April 13, Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s readiness to finance the acquisition, stating, “We are ready to pay these $15 billion. We will find this money and pay everything.”
Each Patriot system is estimated to cost approximately $1.5 billion. Zelensky indicated that the systems would be deployed to protect densely populated urban areas and critical infrastructure. He also mentioned that he had discussed the proposal of granting Kyiv licenses to produce the Patriot systems and their missiles domestically, with both current and former U.S. administrations, including President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden.
This initiative marks a shift in Ukraine’s approach, transitioning from reliance on military aid to establishing a long-term security partnership with the United States. Zelensky highlighted that Ukraine is not seeking donations but is willing to invest in its defense capabilities, potentially becoming a traditional client of the U.S. defense industry.
The proposal comes amid ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, despite a U.S.-brokered partial ceasefire agreed upon in March. Zelensky’s administration views the acquisition of Patriot systems as a critical step in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
