Zelenskyy Seeks Patriot Missiles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the United States and other partners to provide additional missiles for Patriot air-defense systems following a Russian strike on Kyiv and surrounding areas. In an address published Aug. 20, he said Ukraine was prepared to purchase the weapons rather than receive them as donations.

Zelenskyy said the attack involved ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones. According to his account, about 90% of the cruise missiles were intercepted, while ballistic missiles remained a significantly greater challenge for Ukrainian air defenses.

The president said 16 people were killed and nearly 50 wounded in the strike. More than 200 sites were damaged, including 86 residential buildings, a children’s hospital, social infrastructure and commercial facilities.

Zelenskyy also announced new sanctions targeting Russia’s military-industrial complex, collaborators in occupied Ukrainian territories and other individuals he said maintain ties with Russia. He said Ukraine would continue coordinating its sanctions with international partners and was preparing new diplomatic initiatives, including possible appointments following consultations in the United States.