DID Press: As Ukraine’s battlefield situation grows increasingly dire, President Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed to Western governments to lend their Patriot air-defense systems to Kyiv if they are unwilling to provide them permanently. His remarks, published in an interview with The Guardian, reflect the country’s deepening defense challenges and the waning Western resolve to sustain the war effort against Russia.
Zelensky urged Western allies to help Ukraine counter Russia’s escalating drone and missile attacks, saying that if permanent transfers of Patriot systems were not possible, “European countries could lend them temporarily until new units are produced.”
The Ukrainian leader said Kyiv continues to coordinate closely with Western partners to repel Russian drone assaults, but noted that Britain and other European capitals remain reluctant to deploy fighter jets to patrol Ukrainian airspace. He also revealed that Ukraine plans to order 27 Patriot systems from U.S. manufacturers.
Commenting on recent suggestions by France and the U.K. to potentially send troops under a future peace framework, Zelensky said: “Leaders are worried about their own societies and do not want to be dragged into the war. If we push too hard, we risk losing their financial and military support.”
Analysts say Zelensky’s plea underscores Kyiv’s increasingly fragile position as the country heads into a harsh winter with crippled energy infrastructure. The appeal highlights not only Ukraine’s urgent need for air defenses, but also the West’s growing hesitation to deepen its direct involvement in the conflict.