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The new system is a step in the right direction, but more is needed, Zelenskyy says.
Ukraine has received another boost to its air defenses as Germany handed over a new Patriot anti-missile system, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Sunday, EFE reported via Agerpres.
Zelensky expressed his gratitude to Berlin, writing on X, “We have strengthened the Patriot component of our Ukrainian air defense. I personally thank Germany and Chancellor Friedrich Merz for this joint step in protecting human lives from Russian terror.”
The message of gratitude was written in English, Ukrainian, and German.
The Ukrainian leader has long argued that Russia’s air assaults are a key part of President Vladimir Putin’s strategy to spread fear and compensate for his inability to seize territory.
Strengthening defenses
According to EFE, Zelensky said that bolstering Ukraine’s air defense capabilities directly contributes to ending the war.
“Every strengthening of our air defense literally brings us closer to the end of the war, which we are all waiting for. The less Russia wins, the greater its motivation to end the war,” he said.
He also emphasized that Ukraine’s defense network plays a vital role beyond its borders, noting that Ukraine’s air defense is directly linked to the protection of its allies.
Recent weeks have seen a surge in Russian strikes, with limited Ukrainian air defense capacity allowing more missiles and drones to reach their targets.
The attacks have damaged power infrastructure, rail lines, and civilian areas. The strikes on energy facilities are particularly concerning as winter approaches, since power disruptions could lead to heating outages.
Wave of Russian attacks
According to figures released by Zelensky on Sunday, Russia has launched 1,500 attack drones, 1,170 guided bombs, and more than 70 missiles of various types against Ukraine in just one week.
The renewed escalation underscores the urgency for Kyiv to strengthen its aerial defenses as winter approaches. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly warned that Moscow is likely to intensify strikes on critical infrastructure during the cold months.
The new Patriot delivery follows a pledge made just over a month ago by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who said Berlin would send two Patriot systems to Ukraine by the end of 2025, The Kyiv Independent reported.
Advanced but scarce
The Patriot, an American-made air defense system, is one of the most sophisticated systems available globally.
A typical “battery” includes radar units for target detection, a fire control center, missile launchers, and power and communications equipment.
Depending on its configuration, a single battery can have four to eight launchers, capable of intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles as well as aircraft.
However, these systems are in limited supply, with production of key components often taking years.
Germany has already supplied three Patriot batteries to Ukraine under an agreement with the U.S. manufacturer that ensures rapid replenishment of Berlin’s own stocks.
Broader Western effort
The latest delivery comes amid a broader Western initiative to expedite arms transfers to Kyiv.
In July, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the PURL (Priority Ukraine Requirements List) program, supported by NATO and the European Union, which enables allied nations to purchase U.S. weapons for Ukraine.
Zelensky said more progress would follow soon, adding that “further results” are expected as new air defense deals are being negotiated.
