Ukraine is working with its international partners to accelerate the delivery of air defense systems by the end of the year, Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga said at a joint press conference in Kiev with his Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna, Ukrinform reported, quoted by BTA.
"To protect our strategic energy infrastructure before winter sets in, we need additional air defense systems. We are counting on NATO's PURL (Priority Ukraine Needs List) program to help us obtain more "Patriot" systems from the United States. Currently, our request is for at least ten such complexes, which we need immediately. In addition to them, we also need other types of systems. We are actively cooperating with allies to accelerate deliveries by the end of the year," stressed Sibiga.
He added that it is equally important for Ukraine to develop its own capacity to produce weapons systems, especially long-range ones.
The minister also noted the key role of interceptor drones in the air defense system. According to him, Ukraine's allies are already responding to its calls to increase production. Sibiga predicts that drones will continue to play an increasingly significant role in Ukraine's defense.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Britain would support Ukraine with new air defense systems, missiles and the production of interceptor drones.