Ukraine is preparing to sign a contract with the United States for 25 Patriot air defense systems, President Volodymyr Zelensky said after returning from Washington.
“In coordination with US agencies, we held talks with defense companies on air defense systems and are preparing a contract for 25 Patriots,” Zelensky told reporters.
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He described the deal as “a very positive story – complex but long-term,” noting that production backlogs remain an obstacle.
“These are the 25 systems we need,” Zelensky said. “The request comes directly from our Air Force and air defense forces.”
Zelensky said Ukraine expects to receive the systems over several years, depending on US political decisions and production schedules.
“The White House can move us up in the queue if there is political will,” he said, adding that some European NATO members could help speed deliveries.
He suggested that if allied coordination succeeds, Washington could also allow Ukraine access to US-owned systems stationed in Europe.
Tomahawks from Europe
Zelensky also said Ukraine may receive Tomahawk long-range missiles from European partners if a political decision is reached.
“European countries also have Tomahawks,” he said. “The issue is not only which weapons you have, but how you can use them.”
According to Zelensky, several EU leaders support the idea and plan to raise it directly with US President Donald Trump.
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Trump’s soft stance on Putin and hesitation to fully back Ukraine raise questions about his motives and strategy. As he heads toward a Budapest summit with Putin, critics fear appeasement over peace.
“We are in constant contact with national security advisers in European countries and are forming a joint position,” he said.
Zelensky added that Trump currently seeks to avoid escalation with Russia before potential negotiations.
Ukraine was denied Tomahawk missiles after negotiations in Washington
Zelensky hopes that Ukraine will be able to obtain American long-range Tomahawk missiles.
Trump has not yet agreed to provide Ukraine with Tomahawks, but he did not say “no” either.
Zelensky recently met with representatives of the American defense company Raytheon, which, among other things, manufactures Patriot air defense systems.
The parties discussed: Raytheon’s production capabilities; possible avenues of cooperation to strengthen air defense and increase Ukraine’s long-range capabilities; and prospects for Ukrainian-American joint production.
Prior to that, the Ukrainian delegation met with representatives of US arms manufacturers Raytheon and Lockheed Martin on Wednesday, Oct. 15.
Although the agenda of the meeting remains unknown, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, hinted at deepening defense cooperation between Kyiv and Washington.