According to a report by the Ukrainian National News Agency on October 28, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy revealed during a conversation with reporters that when he met with US President Trump in New York earlier, he expressed his desire for the US to approve the provision of more anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine. He also stated that if the US provided these missiles, Ukraine would not attack any refineries.
Zelenskyy said that at that time, he asked the US side to approve a package of winter assistance. “I told them: ‘I need this aid materials, please approve it now.’”
I made it clear that I told him the number of missiles he needed and also said that if he were to give me these missiles, we would not attack any oil refineries. Zelensky stated.
According to Zelensky, Trump then asked where these missiles could be obtained. He explained to Trump which countries possessed the relevant missiles. Trump responded that the US would do its best, but the US also needed missiles due to its limited inventory.
Zelensky also stated that the current supply of Patriot anti-aircraft missiles is far from meeting Ukraine’s needs.
He said that through the ‘Ukraine Priority List’ mechanism, European countries are funding the purchase of American weapons and equipment for Ukraine. This includes 20mm ammunition used in F-16 fighter jets, ammunition required for the ‘Maisat’ rocket system, as well as ‘Patriot’ and AIM series missiles. Although most of the equipment is being delivered smoothly, the supply of ‘Patriot’ anti-aircraft missiles still faces significant difficulties.
In 2026, we could only obtain an average of twelve missiles each month. Zelensky said.
He further revealed that although US Defense Secretary Hagel has signed some documents related to missile supplies, this does not mean that all of Ukraine's requirements have been met.
The United States has a batch of aid supplies containing 12 missiles, which he has signed and approved. This is good. However, I have used 35 missiles this month. The issue is that the other 23 missiles came from other channels.
Zelenskyy emphasized that finding anti-aircraft interception missiles has become something he deals with every day. He would be very grateful even if other countries agreed to provide only two missiles.
"Now, my situation is that I must continuously, every week, gather new aid packages, new missiles, and new defensive equipment."
Previously, Zelenskyy stated in an interview with the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) that over the past three months, Ukraine has received only 24 interceptor missiles for the 'Patriot' air defense system from the United States, which is far below Ukraine's actual needs.
