Ukraine’s Zelensky Confirms Israel as Source of New Patriot System

President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a significant revelation, officially confirming for the first time that Israel was the source of a new, US-made Patriot air defense system that arrived in Ukraine last month. This public acknowledgment sheds light on a sensitive area of international support for Kyiv and suggests a notable, if quiet, shift in Israel’s policy.
For much of the conflict, Israel has maintained a delicate balancing act, providing humanitarian aid but stopping short of supplying lethal military hardware. The delivery of a Patriot system, one of the world’s premier air defense weapons, marks a major departure from that stance. Zelensky added that Ukraine expects two more such systems in the fall, though he did not specify their origin.
This major defensive boost comes as Ukraine is aggressively pursuing new offensive capabilities. Zelensky announced an agreement with US President Donald Trump to secure deals for long-range weapons. A Ukrainian delegation is preparing for technical talks in the US to finalize these purchases, which will be in addition to a $90 billion aid package.
The deepening security partnership also includes a potential new role for Ukraine as a technology supplier. Zelensky mentioned that the US will begin discussions to purchase Ukrainian drones, a testament to their combat effectiveness.
The confirmation of the Israeli Patriot delivery is particularly timely, given Zelensky’s recent claims of Russian drones violating Polish airspace. The new systems will be a crucial asset in defending against the complex aerial threats that define the modern battlefield in Eastern Europe.