Ukraine wants to buy air defense systems from the US – Yermak held talks with Congress
3 July 00:11
The head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, has reported on a telephone conversation with the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Brian Mast. The main issue was further defense support for Ukraine, in particular, strengthening air defense, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
The two sides discussed the results of the Ukrainian delegation’s visit to Washington in early June and the meeting with the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
The central topic of the conversation was the issue of defense support for Ukraine from the United States and the needs of the Ukrainian army, particularly in light of recent reports of possible changes in the volume of military assistance.
The Head of the Office of the President emphasized the critical importance of air defense systems for the defense of Ukraine, especially given the intensification of Russian shelling.
“Russia continues massive missile attacks on our cities. In these conditions, air defense systems are a matter of life for millions of Ukrainians. We are ready to purchase additional systems from the United States as a strategic step to strengthen our defense,” said Yermak.
Issues discussed
The interlocutors discussed the outcome of the recent NATO Summit in The Hague and the results of the meeting between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the United States Donald Trump. Andriy Yermak emphasized the commonality of the heads of state’s positions on the need to protect civilian lives in the face of Russian aggression.
Particular attention was paid to the situation in the Middle East, in particular to President Trump’s personal peacekeeping efforts and America’s contribution to resolving the dangerous situation with Iran. The Head of the Office of the President noted that Donald Trump’s principle of “peace through strength” demonstrates effectiveness and can be applied to achieving peace in Ukraine.
Andriy Yermak and Brian Mast also touched upon the current state of the negotiation process with the Russian side. The Head of the President’s Office noted that there is no tangible progress in the negotiations. Russia continues to delay the process.
The significant increase in defense budgets of almost all countries, especially European ones, was emphasized, which indicates a growing awareness of security threats.
Congress reaffirms support for Ukraine
According to Yermak, the American side reaffirmed the continued support for Ukraine in the U.S. Congress. The two sides agreed to maintain a constant dialog and close coordination in defense, security and strategic decisions.
“I thank our American partners for their clear position. The US support is a key factor in our stability,” summarized Yermak.
It should be noted that Western media, including Politico and NBC News, previously reported that the Pentagon had temporarily suspended the supply of a number of important systems, including Patriot interceptors and GMLRS precision-guided missiles. The reason was cited as concerns about the depletion of the US’s own weapons stockpile.
Against this backdrop, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry summoned US Chargé d’Affaires John Hinkel for an explanation. President Zelenskyy said he intends to discuss the potential purchase of a defense package with President Donald Trump.
During the NATO summit in The Hague, Trump promised to look into the possibility of transferring additional air defense systems to Ukraine.
