Ukraine’s Zelensky is Begging for More Free Aid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is making an increasingly urgent appeal to the United States for additional Patriot air defense missiles, warning that Ukraine’s ability to defend its cities against Russian ballistic missile attacks could be weakened as U.S. military resources are stretched by other global conflicts.
Speaking during a visit to Sweden on Thursday, Zelenskyy said he has not yet received a response to a letter sent earlier this week to President Donald Trump and members of Congress requesting additional supplies of the American-made interceptor missiles.
“I believe (the U.S.) must act quicker. We are being very persistent,” Zelenskyy told reporters.
The request comes as Russia continues to rely heavily on long-range missile strikes against Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. Ballistic missiles remain one of the most difficult threats for Ukraine to counter, making Patriot systems among the most valuable weapons in Kyiv’s arsenal.
Zelenskyy expressed concern that American stockpiles are being strained as resources are diverted to address escalating tensions and military requirements in the Middle East. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly warned that delays in military aid can have immediate consequences on the battlefield and in civilian areas targeted by Russian strikes.
At the same time, Zelenskyy is attempting to strengthen Ukraine’s long-term military position through deeper partnerships with European allies.
During his visit to Sweden, he announced plans for Ukraine to purchase 20 advanced Saab Gripen fighter jets for approximately 2.5 billion euros ($2.9 billion). Sweden will also provide 16 older Gripen aircraft once the agreement is finalized.
Funding for the purchase will come from a recently approved European Union loan package worth roughly 90 billion euros ($105 billion), according to Zelenskyy.
Standing alongside Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in front of Gripen aircraft, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of the fighters in countering one of Russia’s most effective aerial tactics: glide bomb attacks launched from stand-off distances by Russian aircraft.
Kristersson said Ukraine is expected to receive the older Gripen models early next year, while delivery of the newly manufactured aircraft is scheduled to begin in 2030. Sweden will also provide maintenance support, training, and weapons packages for the aircraft.
Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine ultimately hopes to field as many as 150 Gripen fighters.
While Ukraine continues seeking foreign military equipment, it is also offering something increasingly valuable in return: battlefield expertise.
After more than three years of large-scale war, Ukraine has become one of the world’s leading innovators in drone warfare. Zelenskyy said Ukrainian specialists have assisted countries in the Gulf region with air defense improvements during the recent conflict involving Iran and have also supported efforts at American military installations in the Middle East.
Sweden appears eager to benefit from that knowledge.
“We are extremely eager” to learn from Ukraine’s drone warfare experience, Kristersson said.
Ukraine has already entered joint drone-production agreements with several European countries, reflecting growing concerns among NATO members that Russian ambitions may extend beyond Ukraine’s borders.
On the battlefield, drones have become one of Kyiv’s most effective tools. Ukrainian unmanned systems routinely patrol the roughly 1,250-kilometer (780-mile) front line and strike deep behind Russian positions.
According to the Institute for the Study of War, Ukraine’s drone campaigns are increasingly disrupting Russia’s ability to move troops and supplies to front-line positions, helping offset Moscow’s significant manpower advantages.
Despite those successes, the war remains costly and brutal. Russia currently occupies roughly 20 percent of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.