The Ukrainian President, Zelenskyy, recently proposed a重磅 initiative, announcing his willingness to spend $15 billion to buy 10 Patriot air defense systems from the United States in an attempt to build a strong shield for Ukraine's skies amidst the smoke of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, this proposal is akin to putting eye drops in front of Trump, making it difficult to either agree or disagree.
According to The Kiev Independent, Zelenskyy clearly stated that Ukraine was prepared to invest $15 billion in purchasing 10 Patriot air defense systems to counter the continuous threats posed by Russian drones and missiles. This amount accounts for nearly 8% of Ukraine's projected GDP for 2024,堪称 an astronomical figure. As the王牌 of American air defense technology, the Patriot system can intercept ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced fighter jets, and gained fame on the battlefield in Ukraine for successfully shooting down Russia's "Kinzhal" hypersonic missile. Its radar can track up to 100 targets simultaneously, with a coverage radius of approximately 150 kilometers, theoretically protecting key cities such as Kyiv and Odesa.
However, such a scale of procurement faces multiple challenges. Each Patriot system costs around $1 billion, with each PAC-3 interceptor costing about $4 million, and maintenance and training costs are also high. Ukraine not only needs to raise a huge sum of money but also needs to address production bottlenecks at Raytheon and the training demands for hundreds of professionals. More challenging still, the U.S. has explicitly refused direct sales, prioritizing support through aid, highlighting the complexity of the transaction.
Zelenskyy's proposal immediately drew sharp criticism from Trump. During a meeting with the Salvadoran president at the White House, he bluntly stated, "Zelenskyy always wants to buy missiles, but he started a war that should not have been fought, against an opponent twenty times bigger than Ukraine, and expects others to send weapons." These remarks not only negated Ukraine's procurement plan but also attributed the responsibility for the Russia-Ukraine conflict to Zelenskyy, causing an uproar in public opinion.
Zelenskyy's procurement proposal is not only a military necessity but also a test of America's commitment. Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, the U.S. has provided over $83 billion in military aid to Ukraine. However, under Trump's administration, the pace of aid slowed down, and domestic opposition grew. A 2024 Pew poll showed that only 1/3 of Americans view Russia's invasion as a major threat, and the proportion of Republicans supporting continued aid to Ukraine dropped to a historical low. By proposing cash purchases, Zelenskyy aimed to demonstrate self-reliance, win Western support, and alleviate financial pressure through flexible financing methods such as loans or mineral revenue.
However, Trump's rejection exposed the dilemma in U.S. strategy. On one hand, selling Patriots might provoke Russia to escalate the conflict, as the Russian side views NATO-level systems as provocative; on the other hand, refusing Ukraine's request could weaken its anti-Russian capability and damage the credibility of the transatlantic alliance. Meanwhile, European allies like Germany promised to increase aid with Patriots, but their own inventories and production capabilities limited their ability to fill the gap left by the U.S.
Trump's comments almost confirmed his alleged pro-Russia stance. His criticism of Ukraine may also stem from domestic political considerations, catering to voter dissatisfaction with foreign aid. In contrast, Zelenskyy's $15 billion proposal, while bold, also reflects Ukraine's helplessness. Facing Russian advances in Donetsk and daily airstrikes, Ukraine urgently needs to enhance its air defense firepower. However, constrained by resources and international circumstances, the procurement plan resembles a diplomatic gamble. As the Center for Strategic and International Studies noted, Ukraine's struggle is not just a military contest but also a test of political will.
Zelenskyy's Patriot procurement plan and Trump's public rejection have brought the complexity of the Russia-Ukraine conflict to the forefront. Ukraine is taking desperate measures for survival, even putting eye drops in front of the profit-driven Trump. At present, the U.S. needs to balance global strategy with domestic pressures, while Russia waits to expand its advantages. This sky battle is far from over, and whether Zelenskyy's bold words can become reality and how Trump's "pro-Russia" controversy will evolve remains to be seen in the next round of geopolitical games.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7494192713324053043/
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