Asger Risom
Ukraine seeks long-term security guarantees through arms purchases
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Wednesday that Kyiv intends to purchase a large package of U.S. military equipment, rejecting the notion of receiving future aid for free.
“We will pay for it. We didn’t ask for the next package to be free,” Zelensky stated during a press briefing in Kyiv, describing the request as part of Ukraine’s broader security strategy.
Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine has already submitted a detailed list of desired equipment to the United States and is prepared to fund the package, which may cost between $30 and $50 billion.
The focus remains heavily on air defense systems, particularly the Patriot missile batteries.
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During a recent phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelensky requested the transfer of at least ten Patriot systems to help shield Ukraine’s cities from ongoing missile attacks.
“This is protection. It will help us after the war and is part of our security guarantee,” he emphasized, as reported by Digi24.ro.
Ukraine has received only half of requested Patriot systems
Despite repeated appeals, Ukraine has received only half of the seven additional Patriot systems it requested a year ago.
The country’s initial call for 25 batteries aimed to cover nationwide missile defense needs, but even the reduced demand for 10 systems remains unmet.
According to Zelensky, Ukraine currently has approximately six operational Patriot batteries, in varying configurations.
These include systems from the United States, Germany, and a hybrid unit co-supplied by Germany and the Netherlands.
Other contributions came from Italy, France (a SAMP/T system), and a surprising donation from Romania.
The Netherlands, however, was unable to secure a partner to complete a planned contribution, delivering only partial components such as a radar and several launchers.
This shortfall comes as Russia intensifies its use of ballistic missiles against Ukrainian cities.
“Systems that our partners have in storage must be used to protect lives,” Zelensky stated in an April 6 speech, urging allied nations to accelerate the transfer of key defense assets.
U.S.-Ukraine defense partnership moves toward transactional model
Zelensky’s latest remarks underscore a shift in Kyiv’s approach to Western military support — moving from donation-based aid toward structured, purchase-based cooperation. By offering to pay for U.S. weapons systems, Ukraine aims to solidify long-term defense partnerships and reduce political friction surrounding future aid.
The proposal also aligns with broader calls from Washington for NATO partners and allies to increase self-reliance in defense spending. While the timeline and outcome of Ukraine’s latest weapons request remain uncertain, the offer signals a pragmatic path forward amid continued uncertainty in U.S. domestic politics and transatlantic policy.
