Copyright © 2024 Euromaidanpress.com

The work of Euromaidan Press is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation

When referencing our materials, please include an active hyperlink to the Euromaidan Press material and a maximum 500-character extract of the story. To reprint anything longer, written permission must be acquired from [email protected].

Privacy and Cookie Policies.

Ukrinform: Zelenskyy told Blinken Ukraine needs two Patriots to protect Kharkiv Oblast skies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tells US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that Patriot systems are Ukraine’s “biggest deficit,” especially highlighting the need to shield Kharkiv Oblast from relentless Russian attacks.
Patriot ukraine air defense
Patriot SAMs in Ukraine. Photo: Oleksiy Reznikov via X
Ukrinform: Zelenskyy told Blinken Ukraine needs two Patriots to protect Kharkiv Oblast skies

In a meeting in Kyiv with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need for two Patriot air defense systems to protect northeastern Kharkiv Oblast, Ukrinform reports.

Several days ago, the Russian army intensified shelling in Kharkiv Oblast and started an offensive there, capturing some villages on the border with Russia.  The deployment of the Patriot air defense systems in the Kharkiv Oblast would significantly protect Ukraine’s airspace from destructive Russian missiles and possibly aerial bombs.

Zelenskyy noted to Blinken that the people of Kharkiv Oblast are under constant Russian attacks and are worried about their safety, making the acquisition of the Patriot systems a top priority.

“This is our biggest deficit. I think this is the biggest problem,” the President said as per Ukrinform.

Zelenskyy stressed the importance of receiving the package of assistance as quickly as possible, according to Ukrinform.

Last month, the White House approved the long-stalled $61 billion military aid to Ukraine including artillery, long-range missiles (ATACMS), and air defense interceptors. Antony Blinken announced that the US assistance is now “on the way” to Ukraine to bolster Ukrainian defense amid intensified Russian assaults. His visit to Ukraine demonstrates US continued support to Ukraine in its war against Russia.

Earlier this month, the US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan announced that a forthcoming $61 billion US military aid package to Ukraine will help prevent further Russian territorial advances in 2024 and support a Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2025.

On 14 May, Russians shelled Kharkiv, injuring four people, according to the head of Kharkiv Oblast. The Russian army also shelled more than 30 settlements in Kharkiv Oblast. Volunteers evacuated thousands of people from the affected areas. Russians mounted an assault on Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast,  achieving tactical success, but the fighting for the city persists.

Related:

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.  We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!

To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here

You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter

Please leave your suggestions or corrections here



    Euromaidan Press

    We are an independent media outlet that relies solely on advertising revenue to sustain itself. We do not endorse or promote any products or services for financial gain. Therefore, we kindly ask for your support by disabling your ad blocker. Your assistance helps us continue providing quality content. Thank you!

    Related Posts