Zelensky Welcomes New NATO-US Deal on Patriot Missile Deliveries

ISTANBUL, July 15 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday welcomed a new NATO-US arrangement to deliver Patriot missile systems and other military aid to Ukraine, following talks with US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

In a statement posted on X, Zelensky described his conversation with Trump as “very good,” adding that they discussed efforts “to stop the killings and establish a lasting and just peace.”

He said Trump had briefed him on his earlier meeting with Rutte and stressed the importance of increased defence spending by Alliance members, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

“We reviewed steps to improve protection against Russian attacks and agreed to coordinate our actions moving forward,” said Zelensky.

He also spoke with Rutte, who updated him on the discussions in Washington and reaffirmed NATO’s ongoing support for Ukraine.

“We appreciate the readiness to provide additional Patriot systems. The US, Germany, and Norway are already working jointly on this,” Zelensky said, noting that further weapons deliveries were expected to strengthen Ukraine’s defences.

“Russia must be forced to stop the killings. This war continues solely because of Russia due to Putin’s desire to prolong it. Peace is only possible through strength,” he added.

Zelensky also underscored the need to cut off Russia’s war financing and to end its military ties with Iran and North Korea.

He said new joint decisions were in the works with the US, Germany and Norway regarding Patriot air defence systems, alongside long-term defence agreements with Washington.

While reaffirming Ukraine’s commitment to “all honest and effective steps toward lasting peace,” he said Russia “isn’t ready” and must face stronger international pressure.

Zelensky’s remarks followed Trump’s meeting with Rutte in Washington, where the US President threatened to impose 100 per cent secondary tariffs on Russia if no agreement to end the war is reached within 50 days.

Trump confirmed that Patriot missile systems would be shipped to Ukraine “within days” under a new arrangement in which the US supplies the weapons while European allies bear the full cost.

Rutte affirmed NATO’s coordination role in facilitating the deliveries.

The development comes after a visit to Kyiv by Trump’s special envoy, Keith Kellogg, who met Zelensky to discuss cooperation on air defence and arms production.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU