Zelensky Says Ukraine Has Handed Trump A Request For Patriot SAMs

• 21.06.2025, 19:18

Kiev is in dire need of air defense systems.

Ukraine, through U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, has submitted a formal request for the delivery of Patriot surface-to-air missile systems to U.S. President Donald Trump.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said this during a briefing, writes "RBC-Ukraine". When asked about a possible discussion with Trump on the Patriot transfer at the upcoming NATO summit (June 24-25, The Hague), Zelensky said that the dialog between the teams continues, and the specific agenda of the summit is still being formed. "There was a meeting in Canada between (Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia. - Note) Sviridenko and (U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott. - Note) Bessent, and the head of my office Andrey Yermak was also there. They talked about the mineral agreement, our next steps and so forth. Also, he and Andrei handed Bessent exactly the weapons package we need. We will wait for feedback," Zelensky explained.

He noted that the requested package has a high cost, as it includes Patriot SAMs, but Kiev is ready to fully finance this purchase. "This is one of the key issues for discussion with President Trump," the Ukrainian president added.

The Ukrainian head of state also said that he raised the Patriot topic in a conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who, according to Zelensky, expressed interest in Ukraine's participation in the summit in The Hague. In addition, Kiev expects to hold meetings within the framework of the "Coalition of the willing." "Patriot is a question not only to Trump, but also to the 'Coalition of the willing'," Zelensky emphasized.