Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s pressing call for Patriot air defense systems to shield his country from Russia’s intensifying airstrikes has been met with doubt by U.S. President Donald Trump, who rebuffed the proposal, favoring ceasefire negotiations with Moscow instead.
“He’s always looking to purchase missiles,” Trump said when asked about Zelensky’s offer. “Listen, when you start a war, you got to know that you can win the war, right? You don’t start a war against somebody that’s 20 times your size, and then hope that people give you some missiles.”
Zelensky had previously voiced his intent to acquire 10 additional U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems, each priced at roughly US$1.5 billion.
In a recent CBS News interview, he mentioned the necessity for safeguarding densely populated cities against ongoing Russian missile and drone assaults.
Zelensky said he would cover the full US$15 billion cost, declaring, “We are prepared to pay this $15 billion. We will find the money and pay for everything.”
Between March and April 2025, Russia ramped up its aerial campaign against Ukraine, unleashing nearly 70 missiles, over 2,200 Shahed-type drones, and more than 6,000 guided aerial bombs, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
On April 13, a Russian missile strike on the city of Sumy killed 34 people, including two children, and injured 119 others. The attack came as residents were celebrating Palm Sunday.
Days earlier, on April 4, another Russian missile attack devastated Kryvyi Rih, Zelensky’s hometown, killing 20 people, including nine children, and injuring over 70 others.
With Ukraine’s air defenses stretched to the breaking point and Russian attacks growing fiercer, Patriot systems are essential for the nation’s survival. Yet Trump’s hesitation, shaped by diplomatic aims and practical constraints, has pushed Kyiv to seek support from Europe and rely on its own resourcefulness.
Why Patriots Are Vital For Ukraine
Patriot systems remain Ukraine’s most capable tool for countering Russia’s precision and high-speed missile attacks, including the Iskander-M and Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. Designed for wide-area interception, they are essential for protecting densely populated urban centers and critical infrastructure.
Ukraine currently operates six Patriot batteries. Defense analysts estimate that at least 25 would be necessary to provide full territorial coverage. Each system enhances Ukraine’s capacity to intercept fast-moving threats, particularly in civilian-heavy areas.
Zelensky emphasized that the requested systems would be deployed to protect high-risk urban zones. Russian missile strikes have persistently targeted power grids and city centers, with recent attacks in Kharkiv and Kryvyi Rih causing significant disruptions to energy supplies.
Ukrainian Air Force officials note that Ukraine is running low on anti-aircraft-guided missiles. The Biden administration’s earlier delivery of three Patriot batteries helped temporarily, but Ukraine continues to warn of shrinking reserves.
Ukraine’s ability to defend key assets would be severely compromised without more Patriot systems. Besides their tactical value, these systems force Russia to deploy costlier weapons to circumvent them. Unlike Soviet-era systems, Patriots offer superior mobility and precision, aligning better with the war’s changing dynamics.
Ukraine’s interest in Patriot systems is part of a larger trend. In 2024, NATO announced a program to acquire 1,000 Patriot missiles and initiate production in Europe due to rising concerns over Russian aggression. This surge in demand has made securing additional units more competitive and challenging for Ukraine.
U.S. Reluctance Complicates Ukraine’s Defense
American defense planners face capacity and logistical limitations in fulfilling Ukraine’s request. Patriot systems, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, are already committed to several U.S. allies, including Poland, Germany, and Saudi Arabia, as well as for domestic use.
Pentagon officials have indicated that meeting Ukraine’s demand could affect U.S. readiness. The production pipeline is backlogged, and new systems may take years to manufacture and deploy.
Zelensky offered an alternative to buying Patriot systems directly: securing a license to produce the systems and their missiles in Ukraine. However, these efforts have stalled, as the technology’s classified nature makes licensing agreements highly complex and difficult to implement.
Trump’s administration had already paused military aid following a tense February 2025 meeting with Zelensky. Trump has since questioned the wisdom of prolonged U.S. involvement, portraying the conflict as unwinnable for Ukraine.
Europe And Domestic Options As Alternatives
Facing limited U.S. support, Ukraine is turning to Europe and internal development efforts. On April 14, Foreign Minister Sybiha appealed to EU counterparts for investment in air defense capabilities, citing recent attacks as evidence of growing vulnerability. Germany and France have expressed a willingness to support Ukraine’s domestically produced system, which was introduced earlier this year.
NATO’s plan to purchase 1,000 Patriot missiles and ramp up European production could eventually support Ukraine, but such benefits are years away. Some countries, like Poland, may consider reallocating orders, though fears of regional escalation often deter such moves.
European support may accelerate Ukraine’s domestic defense programs, though experts warn that a homegrown system could take up to a decade to reach operational maturity.
“I call on your governments and municipalities to consider providing additional support for Sumy and Kryvyi Rih, for the people in these cities,” Sybiga stated. “All of Ukraine will be grateful to you for this.”
Ukraine is also investing in more affordable, scalable defense measures. Local firms are developing short-range air defense systems, electronic countermeasures, and drones. While promising, these alternatives cannot yet match the scale or effectiveness of the Patriot.
Partnerships with European manufacturers may help bridge this gap. Collaborative projects combining Ukrainian engineering and European resources could speed up the delivery of interim systems.
Zelensky has invited Trump to visit Ukraine to better understand the situation on the ground. With a possible Russian offensive expected in May, the urgency is growing.
While European backing and domestic innovation offer avenues for bolstering Ukraine’s air defenses, the shortage of advanced systems like the Patriot remains a pressing vulnerability.
- Via: ET News Desk
- Mail us at: editor (at) eurasiantimes.com
