Ukraine urgently needs patriot systems, says PM Shmyhal

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal emphasized the urgent need for at least seven Patriot missile systems and modern air warfare equipment.

This statement was made during a summit held in Prague, attended by Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina and Polish President Andrzej Duda.

Following their meeting, the leaders held a joint press conference.

’15 EU, NATO countries have provided Over €1.6B in support’

Fiala highlighted the aid provided to Ukraine, stating: “Fifteen EU and NATO countries have already provided over €1.6 billion in support. Tens of thousands of 155-mm-caliber ammunition rounds will be delivered in June. Ukraine can expect the first deliveries in the coming days.”

Fiala noted that since the beginning of the war, Ukraine had received 918 pieces of heavy equipment, approximately 21 million medium-caliber ammunition rounds, and 1.7 million large-caliber ammunition rounds.

‘We need at least 7 Patriot Systems as soon as possible’

Shmyhal emphasized the urgent need for ammunition, stating: “Today’s discussions also focused on securing air defense systems to protect our skies. We need at least seven Patriot systems and modern air warfare equipment as soon as possible.”

He thanked the Czech premier for organizing the summit that brought Ukraine’s allies together, adding: “Our country is the shield of Europe and will continue to be so.”

Meanwhile, Polish president highlighted that the war in Ukraine is at a critical juncture, urging Europe to do everything possible to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia. He confirmed Poland is ready to support the delivery of ammunition to neighboring Ukraine under the Czech initiative.

Rutte announced Netherlands could provide parts for the Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine.