US did not provide licenses for production of Patriot missiles in Europe - Zelenskyy

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the United States ultimately did not agree to transfer licenses for the production of anti-aircraft missiles, although Ukraine offered various options for localizing production - from its own territory to NATO countries. He announced this in an evening video address.

According to the President, several years ago, Ukraine went to Washington with the initiative to establish the production of missiles (in particular, for Patriot systems) in Europe or directly in Ukraine in order to eliminate the shortage of ammunition. However, despite previous agreements, the decision was never made.

"There were promises of licenses, but America ultimately did not go for it. Although we offered production both in Ukraine and jointly with NATO partners in the region - with Romania, with Poland, etc.," Zelenskyy emphasized.

According to the head of state, such cooperation could be a strategic step for the security of the entire continent.

The President emphasized that while the russian federation is trying to "put winter at the service of war," Europe must get rid of its critical dependence on external supplies and learn to independently provide itself with missiles of all types.

"I am sure: Europe will still be able to provide itself with the necessary volumes and strength of defense. But it would be much better for everyone if such a result were achieved faster," he concluded.

Zelenskyy also added that the issue of strengthening air defense and accelerating production will be the main one during a number of international meetings in the coming weeks.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, in January, the russians launched 91 ballistic missiles at Ukraine - the largest monthly figure ever.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy frankly spoke about critical gaps in air defense that led to the destruction of the capital's thermal power plants.

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