President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed to European countries with a proposal to transfer their Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine, as there are cases when certain European countries have them before Ukraine. to receive these air defense assets from the USA The head of state said this during speech at the European Council meeting.

Zelenskyy called on EU leaders to be more active on air defense issues.

"I am very grateful to everyone who has already supported us. There are many nuances to this issue. We have talked with the US government and defense companies about the Patriot systems. Even if we pay for the systems, even if we pay for these missiles, Europe will pay, there is still a waiting list and there are countries ahead of us in line. And some countries already have Patriot systems, but, fortunately, they do not need to use them the way we do. We propose to change the order: if we receive the systems now, we are ready to return them or replace them when our turn comes," Zelenskyy emphasized.

In this regard, the head of state asks European colleagues to be flexible regarding Ukraine's air defense needs, because in times of war, saving lives should be the main priority. He added:

"And air defense support should be a truly joint European cause - when everyone in Europe helps one person, all of Europe wins."

Patriot for Ukraine

As UNIAN reported, Ukraine is preparing a long-term contract for the purchase of 25 Patriot systems. Aviation expert, leading researcher at the State Aviation Museum Valery Romanenko believes that Ukraine will have to wait at least until 2030 for the delivery of 25 Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems.