**Ukraine Ready to Spend $15 Billion on US-Made Air Defense Systems**
In a desperate bid to protect its densely populated cities from ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks, Ukraine is willing to spend $15 billion to purchase 10 U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems. This was revealed by President Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview with CBS News.
According to Zelensky, he has already made the offer directly to former US President Donald Trump and had previously raised it with the Biden administration. The Ukrainian president emphasized that his country is ready to pay for the systems and even offered to produce them domestically once licenses are granted.
This move comes as Ukraine faces intense pressure from Russia’s aerial bombardments. Just last month, Moscow launched 70 missiles, 2,200 Shahed-type drones, and 6,000 guided aerial bombs against Ukrainian cities. The attacks have resulted in significant human losses, with at least 34 people killed and 119 injured in a recent strike on Sumy.
Zelensky’s plea for the Patriot systems is not an isolated request. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly urged Western allies to increase air defense support, warning that current supplies are insufficient to counter the intensity of Russian attacks. The purchase proposal, along with Zelensky’s appeal to grant licenses for domestic production, reflects Ukraine’s determination to shield its cities from further harm.
The fact that Ukraine is willing to spend $15 billion on a single system, let alone 10, underscores the severity of the crisis. Each Patriot system costs around $1.5 billion, and the Ukrainian government seems willing to foot the bill to protect its people. However, it remains to be seen whether the US will respond positively to this request.
The situation in Ukraine continues to be dire, with Russia showing little signs of abating its attacks despite previous ceasefires. The international community’s response to Zelensky’s plea for air defense support will be crucial in determining the course of events in Ukraine.
As Zelensky put it, “We are ready to pay for everything.” The world waits with bated breath to see if this willingness to spend billions will translate into tangible security measures for the Ukrainian people.