Zelenskyy Says Nine Countries Back $1B in Patriot Missiles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that nine countries confirmed contributions to the PURL program for Patriot missile systems worth more than $1 billion.

The confirmation came during a UDCG meeting, Zelenskyy said. He said partners also agreed on additional F-16s, while Ukraine urgently needs more pilot training.

Zelenskyy said the EU would step up sanctions and described that position as unanimous. “The EU stands united — they’re doing a great job,” he said.

Ukraine needs air defense and funding for its military, Zelenskyy said, adding that partners agreed to work on both.

He accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of lying about seeking peace. “Putin doesn’t want to stop, and all his talk about seeking peace is nothing but lies,” Zelenskyy said.

Putin doesn’t want to stop, and all his talk about seeking peace is nothing but lies. — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Zelenskyy urged Europe to strengthen its own anti-ballistic capabilities, support sanctions without exceptions, back confiscation without exceptions and fund Ukraine.

He said Ukraine remains ready for negotiations with Putin, but said Europe must help ensure Kyiv has a strong position.

Zelenskyy said Putin fears the return of Russian troops and would return to war without a ceasefire backed by specific security guarantees, warning that others could then come under attack.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine is “de facto the second army of NATO” and argued that NATO needs Ukraine de jure. He also said Putin’s goal is the restoration of the Soviet Union, which he said is impossible without Ukraine.