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Zelensky calls on the West to ship missile defense systems to Ukraine

Ukrainian President noted that Kiev first requested shipment of missile defense weapons long before the beginning of the Russian special military operation

KIEV, June 14. /TASS/. Ukraine needs modern missile defense weapons, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said Tuesday, calling on the West to ship such weapons to Kiev.

"Again and again we repeat to our partners that Ukraine needs modern missile defense weapons," Zelensky said in a video address, published in the Presidential Office Telegram channel. "Our state does not have enough of it yet, but it is our state that requires such weapons the most right now in Europe. Delaying of their shipments cannot be justified."

Zelensky noted that Ukraine first requested shipment of missile defense weapons long before the beginning of the Russian special military operation.

"There will be many important negotiations this week, and not only with European politicians, who can afford shipping modern missile defense systems to Ukraine," he believes.

Speaking at a briefing for reporters on March 12, Zelensky claimed that Ukraine needs missile defense systems, and is ready to pay for their shipments. In late May, US Department of Defense did not confirm information about shipment of US-made Patriot missile air defense systems within the $40 billion aid package for Ukraine, approved by the Congress.

In mid-September last year, Ukrainian Presidential Office said that Kiev may acquire the Iron Dome air defense system, which proved its effectiveness in Israel. However, the White House did not confirm this information. In June this year, Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel Yevgeny Korneychuk said that Ukraine would like to purchase the Iron Dome from Israel.