Ukraine files a request with the US for the purchase of air defense systems
Kyiv has sent an official request to Washington for the purchase of air defense systems to meet the needs of the Ukrainian army, announced Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States Valeriy Chaly, informs Novoye Vremya news outlet.
He said that the request was made at “the highest level” during the meeting of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and US President Donald Trump in Brussels, as well as during the meetings of Ukraine's representatives with the US president’s national security adviser John Bolton.
“I think our needs for the next period are related to the sea and airspace. This is something without which we will not be able to ensure the defense of our county,” the ambassador said.
Chaly noted that the cost of one military complex is $750 million and that Ukraine need at least three of them.
In addition, he emphasized that Ukraine needs drones, counter-battery radars and counter-sniper systems. Chaly did not disclose other details, referring to the secrecy of the data.
Earlier, Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak suggested buying from the US 5 Patriot air defense systems to "fully close the border with Russia".