Effective air-defence systems provide the essential shield that protects populations, critical infrastructure, military facilities and armed forces from these threats. Without this shield, much of a nation’s strategic vulnerability remains exposed.

The new arms race: Why nations are investing heavily in missile-shield technology

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday (Oct 20) said that his country is preparing to sign a contract with the United States for 25 Patriot air defence systems to help fend off escalating Russian aerial attacks. Zelensky also said that he would be ready to meet with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit in Hungary, if he is invited.“In coordination with US agencies, we held talks with defense companies on air defense systems and are preparing a contract for 25 Patriots,” Zelensky told reporters following his talks with Trump and American weapons makers.Describing the deal as “a very positive story – complex but long-term,” Zelensky noted that production backlogs remain an obstacle. “These are the 25 systems we need,” he said. “The request comes directly from our Air Force and air defense forces.”Zelensky said that Ukraine is expecting the delivery of the systems over several years, depending the US decisions and production schedules.“The White House can move us up in the queue if there is political will,” he said, adding that some European NATO members could help speed deliveries. He added that if allied coordination succeeds, Washington could also allow Ukraine to use US-owned systems stationed in Europe.The Ukrainian president added that Kyiv may receive Tomahawk long-range missiles from European allies if a political decision is reached.“European countries also have Tomahawks,” he said. “The issue is not only which weapons you have, but how you can use them.” He added that many EU leaders back the idea and plan to speak directly with Trump regarding it.“We are in constant contact with national security advisers in European countries and are forming a joint position,” he said. He added that Trump is currently seeking to avoid any escalation with Russia ahead of potential negotiations.

Describing the deal as “a very positive story – complex but long-term,” Zelensky noted that production backlogs remain an obstacle.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday (Oct 20) said that his country is preparing to sign a contract with the United States for 25 Patriot air defence systems to help fend off escalating Russian aerial attacks. Zelensky also said that he would be ready to meet with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit in Hungary, if he is invited. “In coordination with US agencies, we held talks with defense companies on air defense systems and are preparing a contract for 25 Patriots,” Zelensky told reporters following his talks with Trump and American weapons makers. Describing the deal as “a very positive story – complex but long-term,” Zelensky noted that production backlogs remain an obstacle. “These are the 25 systems we need,” he said. “The request comes directly from our Air Force and air defense forces.” Zelensky said that Ukraine is expecting the delivery of the systems over several years, depending the US decisions and production schedules. “The White House can move us up in the queue if there is political will,” he said, adding that some European NATO members could help speed deliveries. He added that if allied coordination succeeds, Washington could also allow Ukraine to use US-owned systems stationed in Europe. The Ukrainian president added that Kyiv may receive Tomahawk long-range missiles from European allies if a political decision is reached. “European countries also have Tomahawks,” he said. “The issue is not only which weapons you have, but how you can use them.” He added that many EU leaders back the idea and plan to speak directly with Trump regarding it. “We are in constant contact with national security advisers in European countries and are forming a joint position,” he said. He added that Trump is currently seeking to avoid any escalation with Russia ahead of potential negotiations.

Describing the deal as “a very positive story – complex but long-term,” Zelensky noted that production backlogs remain an obstacle.

Ukraine to get 25 Patriot systems, Tomahawks? Here’s what Zelensky says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (Sep 27) said that Kyiv received a US-made Patriot air defence system from Israel a month earlier, adding that he is expecting to receive two more in the fall. Zelensky made the remarks while speaking at a press briefing after his return from the United Nations, where he met with US President Donald Trump and other senior officials of the US administration. He said that his meeting with the US president was “very good.”“The Israeli (Patriot) system is operating in Ukraine. It has been operating for a month. We will receive two Patriot systems in the fall,” Zelensky said.The statement comes as Ukraine scrambles to beef up its air defences ahead of winter, during which attacks on heating infrastructure are frequent. Russia has been sending barrages of drones and missiles to Ukraine, forcing Kyiv to ramp up its air defences.<h2>Ukraine to discuss weapons purchase deals with US</h2>Zelensky said that the US and Ukrainian delegations will be holding several meetings to discuss weapons purchases in September-October through “various programmes.” He did not specify the source of financing.The Ukrainian leader added that Kyiv has provided Washington with a list of weapons sought by Ukraine as part of a $90 billion arms purchase plan from the US.When asked about media reports claiming Ukraine requested long-range Tomahawk missiles from the US, Zelensky said that Kyiv was “ready for separate agreements on specific types of weapons, including long-range weapons.” He did not provide further details regarding the deals, calling it “a very sensitive issue.”Zelensky added that Ukraine and the US now have “a mutual understanding of what is really happening on the battlefield and what progress can be made.”<h2>Israel’s stance on Russia-Ukraine war</h2>Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Israel has maintained a neutral stance on the conflict. Unlike Kyiv’s Western allies, it has not pushed for sanctions against Moscow. However, its ties with Russia soured after Moscow showed support to Iran, with which Israel had a 12-day war over Tehran’s nuclear programme. The Kremlin has also condemned Israel’s war in Gaza. Meanwhile, the West has accused Iran of supplying drones to Russia, which it uses in its attacks against Ukraine.

Zelensky said that the US and Ukrainian delegations will be holding several meetings to discuss weapons purchases in September-October through “various programmes.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (Sep 27) said that Kyiv received a US-made Patriot air defence system from Israel a month earlier, adding that he is expecting to receive two more in the fall. Zelensky made the remarks while speaking at a press briefing after his return from the United Nations, where he met with US President Donald Trump and other senior officials of the US administration. He said that his meeting with the US president was “very good.” “The Israeli (Patriot) system is operating in Ukraine. It has been operating for a month. We will receive two Patriot systems in the fall,” Zelensky said. The statement comes as Ukraine scrambles to beef up its air defences ahead of winter, during which attacks on heating infrastructure are frequent. Russia has been sending barrages of drones and missiles to Ukraine, forcing Kyiv to ramp up its air defences. Ukraine to discuss weapons purchase deals with US Zelensky said that the US and Ukrainian delegations will be holding several meetings to discuss weapons purchases in September-October through “various programmes.” He did not specify the source of financing. The Ukrainian leader added that Kyiv has provided Washington with a list of weapons sought by Ukraine as part of a $90 billion arms purchase plan from the US. When asked about media reports claiming Ukraine requested long-range Tomahawk missiles from the US, Zelensky said that Kyiv was “ready for separate agreements on specific types of weapons, including long-range weapons.” He did not provide further details regarding the deals, calling it “a very sensitive issue.” Zelensky added that Ukraine and the US now have “a mutual understanding of what is really happening on the battlefield and what progress can be made.” Israel’s stance on Russia-Ukraine war Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Israel has maintained a neutral stance on the conflict. Unlike Kyiv’s Western allies, it has not pushed for sanctions against Moscow. However, its ties with Russia soured after Moscow showed support to Iran, with which Israel had a 12-day war over Tehran’s nuclear programme. The Kremlin has also condemned Israel’s war in Gaza. Meanwhile, the West has accused Iran of supplying drones to Russia, which it uses in its attacks against Ukraine.

Zelensky said that the US and Ukrainian delegations will be holding several meetings to discuss weapons purchases in September-October through “various programmes.”

‘Patriot system operating in Ukraine’: Zelensky reveals Israel delivered US-made defence system, two more to arrive

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Kyiv's defence minister informed that Ukraine has received the first Patriots, considered one of the most advanced US air defence systems in the world.

First US patriot air defence systems reach Ukraine, says Kyiv's Defence minister | Trending on WION