Source: Global Times new media
According to reports by CBS News and "The War Zone" on April 15, US President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's request to purchase the Patriot air defense system. On the 14th local time, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is preparing to buy 10 sets of Patriot air defense systems from the United States at a cost of $1.5 billion. He pointed out that some European partners may join in and provide funds for this transaction.
Zelenskyy appealed to Trump, saying, "You have many Patriot air defense systems, and production continues. Protecting Ukraine has several steps. The first step: an air defense system costing $1.5 billion; we are prepared to purchase at least 10 systems to cover some cities inhabited only by civilians and densely populated downtown areas... We will find the money, and we will pay all costs."
When asked about Zelenskyy's proposal, Trump warned, "He has been seeking to purchase missiles. Listen, when you start a war, you must know that you can win, right? You don't go to war with a country 20 times stronger than you and expect others to give you missiles." American media reported that Trump made these remarks at a press conference with El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, which was the latest manifestation of strained relations between US and Ukrainian leaders. This dissatisfaction reached its peak during a disastrous meeting in the Oval Office in February.
According to data released by the Pentagon, the Biden administration has provided Ukraine with 3 sets of Patriot air defense systems and an unspecified number of missiles. "The War Zone" website reported that apart from directly purchasing the Patriot air defense systems, Zelenskyy also proposed a second option, namely that the US authorizes Ukraine to produce these systems and their corresponding missiles. Considering the technical sensitivity of the Patriot air defense systems, this seems unlikely.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7493917077057716736/
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