President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with US Special Representative Keith Kellogg, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and French President Emmanuel Macron. The main topic was strengthening air defence ahead of winter: Kyiv describes the supply of interceptors for the Patriot system as indispensable and is ready to purchase them.
Briefly about the main points
- Kyiv has described anti-ballistic defence as its top defence priority.
- Ukraine needs interceptors for the Patriot system to get through the winter.
- Germany and Ukraine are preparing to sign a bilateral drone agreement.
- Macron is prepared to assist in establishing contact with the owners of the required missiles.
- France is prepared to speed up the supply of equipment and missiles and to grant manufacturing licences.
Ballistic defence and the request for interceptors
During a meeting with the general Kitom Kellog Zelensky He informed him of the intensification of Russian attacks on infrastructure and civilians. Kellogg travelled from Odesa to Kyiv to take part in the International Veterans’ Forum.
The President stated that Ukraine is working with its European partners to develop a ballistic missile defence system. At the same time, in order to how this winter went, according to him, supplies of interceptor missiles for the Patriot systems remain essential. Kyiv considers any efforts to secure them to be important.
Negotiations with Germany and France
At a meeting with the German Foreign Minister Johann Wadeful The parties discussed strengthening air defences and providing support to Ukrainians during the winter. A separate topic was the preparation of an agreement within the framework of Drone Deal: The teams are working on the document with a view to signing it in the near future. Vadeful has also arrived to take part in the 9th International Veterans’ Forum and is planning a visit to regions where the situation has been exacerbated by Russian shelling.
During a conversation with the President of France that lasted almost two hours Emmanuel Macron Zelenskyy briefed him on the situation regarding the attacks. Macron expressed his condolences over the loss of life and confirmed his willingness to assist in liaising with partners who have the missiles required for the Patriot system. The presidents also discussed France’s capabilities in the field of air defence.
The parties have agreed to speed up the delivery of the latest French equipment and missiles. France has confirmed its readiness to provide manufacturing licences missiles. Zelenskyy and Macron also discussed diplomatic coordination with partners and the US President’s team, funding for Ukraine’s defence this year and next, as well as bilateral defence agreements that need to be fast-tracked.
