Saudi Arabia’s Emergence as a Diplomatic Broker
Mar 16, 2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine’s air defense forces is running out of missiles for its US-made Patriot systems during a press conference amid ongoing US-Russia negotiations.
He shared an example of a conversation with one of his commanders, who reported a critical situation.
In the context of security, he inquired whether the US could provide enough Patriot systems to defend Ukraine, given its opposition to sending troops or allowing his country to join NATO.
Zelensky proposed that Ukraine could make do with 20 Patriot systems and a license from the US to produce the missiles in exchange for the absence of American military personnel in Ukraine.
Speaking at the press conference, Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s push for security guarantees and its goal to end the war this year. However, he noted that the US does not consider NATO membership a viable security guarantee for Ukraine.
