Zelensky: We want to double air defence capabilities

President Voldymyr Zelensky said he wants to double Ukraine's air defence capacities during the summer, as the state accepted the third Patriot system from Germany on 5 July.

Moscow in spring resumed its air attacks on Ukraine's energy system, causing power cuts.

Zelensky said his country needs even at least seven Patriot systems of American production to defend itself.

“UA has assigned my team to double our defence capabilities this summer, primarily with Patriot and other [systems]”, Zelensky said, referring to the American system Hawk and German one, Iris.

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In his comments, which were published in Telegram, Zelensky said Ukraine also agreed Friday to additional “aid” from the United States, but did not elaborate.

Meanwhile, Zelensky also thanked Germany for the third Patriot system that went to Ukraine. Kiev hopes it will achieve more air protection from its supporters during the NATO summit, to be held in Washington next week. A US State Department official said Kiev is expected to receive good “reports during the summit.

Russia began its extensive invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and regularly uses its arsenal with rockets and fears to conduct long - distance air strikes. / REL