Zelensky Complains That U.S.-Made "Patriot" Arrived Too Late

Reference News Network reported on June 6 According to a report from the Ukrainian International News Agency on June 3, Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that due to the long production schedule, Kyiv will not be able to obtain new U.S.-made "Patriot" systems and accompanying ammunition until around 2030 at the earliest. Therefore, Kyiv has begun to look for alternative solutions.

Zelensky said at a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg: “In 2025, we will finally have the opportunity to reach an agreement on obtaining new 'Patriot' systems and their accompanying missiles based on U.S. production conditions. However, whether it is the PAC-2 or PAC-3 missiles, and of course including the 'Patriot' system itself, the delivery queue is measured in years. So, to be honest, we won’t receive the new batch until around 2030. This is not satisfactory to me, nor to our team. We have been discussing what we can find and what alternative solutions are available.”

Zelensky pointed out that one alternative solution is to negotiate with certain countries to swap queue positions. He explained that Ukraine could jump the queue, but the condition must be to pay the contract amount, “We must pay... otherwise all 'Patriot' systems and missiles will have to wait until 2030 for delivery.”

Previously, Zelensky had requested to finalize a contract for increased supply of 'Patriot' missiles within a week.

On the 3rd, he posted on the social media platform "Telegram": “I held a meeting on finding additional ways to supply Ukraine with air defense systems and missiles. We have reached a consensus at the highest political level on purchasing 'Patriot', but it still needs to be implemented at the financial, legal, and technical levels. The waiting time is too long.” (Translated by Tong Shiqun)