Former US President Donald Trump has made harsh criticisms of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s request to purchase Patriot air defense systems. Speaking at a joint press conference with El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, Trump said that Zelenskiy constantly requested missiles, adding, “If you’re starting a war, you have to know that you can win that war, right? You don’t start a war against someone 20 times your size and then hope they give you a few missiles.”
The statements are the latest in a series of tense relations between Trump and Zelensky, which have been strained since their failed meeting in the Oval Office in February.
Zelenskyy Requests 10 Patriot Systems
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced that he requested 1.5 Patriot air defense systems from the United States, each worth about $10 billion. Zelenskyy emphasized that these systems are critical to protecting Ukrainian cities and civilians, saying, “We will find this money and pay for everything.” He also called on European allies to provide financial support for this procurement process. It is stated that Ukraine aims to receive a total arms package from the United States worth $50 billion.
Pentagon Provides Patriot Support to Ukraine
The Pentagon announced that it sent three Patriot batteries and an unspecified number of missiles to Ukraine during the Biden administration. However, it is stated that there may be delays in the shipment of new systems due to the US's own defense needs and the burden of international orders. US military officials emphasize that this situation is critical for the defense of US territory and troops abroad.
Zelenskyy demanded the direct supply of Patriot systems, as well as the issuance of a license to produce them. However, this proposal is considered unlikely to happen due to the technological content and sensitivity of the system.
Limited Production, Deliveries May Take Long Time
Even if Zelenskiy were to find the $15 billion in financing, it could take years for these systems to be delivered to Ukraine due to limited production capacity and a backlog of orders. European countries or the US could transfer existing orders to Ukraine, but this option is also weak due to geopolitical risks.
Ukraine is working to develop a domestic air defense system with European support. Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga called for support in his speech to the European Union Foreign Affairs Council, citing recent attacks on Sumy and Kryvyi Rih as examples.
Russian Missile Attack in Sumy: 34 Dead
At least 34 people were killed in a Russian missile attack on the north-eastern Ukrainian city of Sumy on Monday. Zelenskyy said two children were also killed and 15 were injured in the attack.
Trump said of the Sumy attack, "I think it was terrible. They told me a mistake was made." Trump administration officials condemned the attack more harshly.
Russia's Defence Ministry said the attack targeted a concentration of Ukrainian troops, but European leaders described the attack as a war crime.
Trump's Peace Initiatives and Reactions
These developments come as Trump continues his efforts to broker a peace deal between Moscow and Kiev. It was announced that Trump's Special Representative Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The Kremlin SözcüThe talks were “extremely useful,” said Dmitry Peskov, but they sparked backlash in Ukraine.
Zelenskiy’s Patriot request comes as Ukraine’s ability to defend against Russian airstrikes has diminished. NATO last year similarly announced plans to procure 1.000 Patriot missiles and shift production to Europe.
