President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Saturday that Ukraine received its first Patriot air defense system from Israel about a month ago, with two additional systems expected in the near future. The delivery comes as Kyiv races to strengthen its air defenses against continuous Russian missile and drone barrages, which have increasingly targeted energy and heating infrastructure ahead of the winter season.
Israel’s transfer marks a notable shift in its policy toward the war. Initially, Israel maintained neutrality after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, refraining from sanctions against Moscow. Relations cooled, however, as Russia drew closer to Iran—alleged supplier of drones used against Ukraine—and as the Kremlin openly criticized Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Looking ahead, Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukrainian and US delegations will meet in September and October to explore additional weapons purchases. He noted that Kyiv has already provided Washington with a detailed list of requested systems under a proposed $90 billion acquisition plan. Funding sources were not disclosed.
Responding to reports that Ukraine had asked Washington for long-range Tomahawk missiles, Zelenskyy stressed that Kyiv is “ready for separate agreements on specific types of weapons, including long-range systems.” However, he withheld further details, calling the matter “highly sensitive.” The president also said Ukraine and the United States now share a common perspective on battlefield realities, highlighting that his recent meeting with President Trump was constructive and “very good.”
