Zelenskyy thanks Germany for air defence and says Ukraine still needs seven more Patriots

At the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has separately thanked Germany for the assistance already provided to strengthen air defence but reiterated that Ukraine needs seven more Patriot systems.  

Zelenskyy stated that at this time, Russia has the greatest advantage over Ukraine in the sky, and air attacks remain a serious problem for both the frontline and rear cities.  

"Air defence is the answer. Thank you, Olaf, for the air defence," the president said.  

He thanked Germany and the German defence industry for transferring IRIS-T, Patriot and other assets, noting that they are really crucial for Ukraine. 

"We managed to provide partial protection from Russian airstrikes. We have done and can do more. We need at least seven additional Patriot systems to cover the major settlements soon. This will be a driver for preserving the norms of life in Ukraine, providing direct assistance to defence, and guaranteeing that the country's economic life will not be destroyed," Zelenskyy said. 

He also thanked other partners, including the Netherlands and the United States, for their efforts to strengthen Ukrainian air defence.  

"We already see how and when we will be able to deliver new systems to Ukraine. When they start working to protect our people, it will be a significant restoration of confidence," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. 

Before that, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that in the coming "weeks and months," Ukraine would receive new air defence systems, particularly one Patriot air defence system, as well as missiles and ammunition.  

In May, Germany announced the start of training for Ukrainian crews on the third Patriot air defence system, which is to be delivered to Kyiv.