Zelensky responded directly: who is preventing Ukraine from closing its airspace and why
23 February 11:58
Ukraine has not yet received a license to produce Patriot air defense systems and missiles for them. This was stated by Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an interview with the BBC, emphasizing that the issue of air defense is currently the most difficult in the war against Russia, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
According to the head of state, international partners have not yet agreed to provide Ukraine with the technological licenses that would allow it to launch its own production.
Patriot licenses: what is the problem?
The president stressed that Ukraine needs at least licenses for missiles for the existing Patriot systems.
“Today, the issue is air defense. This is the most difficult problem. Unfortunately, our partners are not yet providing us with licenses so that we can produce systems ourselves, such as Patriot, or even missiles for the systems we already have. So far, we have not been successful in this,” Zelensky said.
Patriot systems are a key element of Ukraine’s air defense, especially for intercepting ballistic missiles.
However, without the ability to locally produce or assemble missiles, Ukraine remains dependent on supplies from its partners.
Why air defense is a critical issue for Ukraine
According to the president, without reliable air defense, it is impossible to ensure the stable functioning of the economy.
“If civilians are protected, our backs are covered, people are working, children are in school, the economy is working, there is money, there are taxes that go to the front. In this way, we strengthen the army,” Zelensky explained.
The head of state stressed that without a full-fledged air defense system, the country cannot completely stabilize the internal situation.
Air defense financing: the role of Europe
Zelensky noted that European countries finance individual air defense procurement programs, in particular through the PURL mechanism.
“Europe finances a program under which we purchase air defense systems from the Americans. We must respect both this program and the fact that Europe finances it,” said the president.
However, according to him, the overall funding is insufficient.
Is the aid to Ukraine sufficient?
The president acknowledged that assistance from partners varies:
- some countries provide significant support,
- there are those who provide minimal assistance,
- and there are those who block certain decisions.
“Is the funding sufficient? No. We need more because we do not have the same amount of weapons as Russia,” Zelensky emphasized.
Contract army: another challenge
The president also mentioned the transition from a mobilization model to a contract army.
According to him, Ukraine would like to switch to a contract service system similar to the one used by Russia, where military personnel are paid significant amounts of money.
“We also want to switch the army to contracts, but we don’t have enough money. This is where Europeans could help,” Zelensky noted.
Europe is not currently funding this program.
What Ukraine wants
The president stressed that in order to strengthen its defense capabilities, Ukraine needs to:
- close its airspace with modern air defense systems
- obtain licenses to manufacture missiles
- ensure stable funding for the army
- move to a more professional contract model
According to Zelensky, this will strengthen both the army and the economy.
