Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Kyiv on Wednesday, after which the two leaders held a joint press conference. The main topics included strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, financing the defense industry, cooperation with NATO, and Ukraine’s response to Russian attacks.
Six Countries Confirm Contributions to PURL
Zelenskyy announced that six countries had confirmed their participation in the PURL program and their readiness to provide contributions.
According to the president, information about the participating countries and the size of their contributions remains confidential.
“Six countries have confirmed that they will contribute to PURL. We are very grateful to them. We will not say which countries or what amounts are involved. This is non-public information,” Zelenskyy said.
Rutte added that allies and partners have already allocated nearly $60 billion to Ukraine through this mechanism and that support will continue.
Ukraine Looking for Alternatives to Patriot Due to Long Waiting Times
Zelenskyy said that in 2025 Ukraine had an opportunity to negotiate with the United States for new Patriot air defense systems and missiles, but production backlogs meant deliveries could take place only around 2030.
The president explained that Ukraine began searching for alternatives, including the possibility of moving up in the delivery queue through agreements with partner countries.
However, he stressed that such arrangements require advance funding.
“Otherwise, all the systems and missiles will arrive in 2030,” Zelenskyy said.
According to him, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Security and Defense Council, and the Ministry of Defense have been tasked with finding the necessary funding regardless of its source.
Ukraine Working on a European Anti-Ballistic Architecture
Zelenskyy said Ukraine is already working with France, Norway, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, and other partners on developing European anti-ballistic capabilities.
According to him, current international support demonstrates the unity of the United States, Canada, Europe, and other allies in supporting Ukraine and pressuring Russia.
Ukraine Increasing Weapons Production
The president stated that Ukraine currently spends between $45 billion and $50 billion annually on weapons production.
He emphasized that funding for the Armed Forces is secured and that the government is working to maintain this level of financing over the long term.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine aims to sustain an unprecedented level of investment in domestically produced weapons of all types.
Ukraine Preparing New Strikes Against Russia
The press conference also focused on Ukrainian strikes inside Russia.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine responds to Russian attacks by targeting oil facilities and military sites and intends to increase the scale of such operations.
“If they use drones and missiles against us, we will do the same,” he said.
He recalled that Ukrainian forces had recently struck the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal, military facilities at the Kronstadt naval base, and an industrial facility in Russia’s Tambov region.
Ukraine’s General Staff reported preliminary damage to ships and infrastructure at the Port of Kronstadt, with the full extent of the damage still being assessed.
Ukrainian Instructors to Train Allies in Counter-Drone Warfare
Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian specialists will travel to Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Romania to share experience in countering drones.
According to him, Ukrainian experts will assist partners with interceptor drones and other technologies used against Russian unmanned systems.
Zelenskyy Confirms Attendance at NATO Summit
The president also confirmed that he will personally attend the NATO summit scheduled for July 7–8 in Ankara.
Asked by journalists whether he would attend, Zelenskyy answered simply: “Yes.”
Rutte: Russia Shows No Signs of Ending the War
Rutte stated that recent attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities demonstrate that Russia has no intention of ending its aggression.
“They show no signs whatsoever of stopping,” the NATO chief said.
He stressed that Ukraine genuinely seeks peace and that NATO allies remain committed to supporting Kyiv.
According to Rutte, this commitment was demonstrated by his visit to Kyiv alongside representatives of all 32 NATO member states.
Rutte Jokes About Putin’s Victory Day Parade
Commenting on Ukrainian strikes inside Russia, Rutte remarked that Ukraine’s successes have become so significant that Russia’s May 9 military parade depended on a decision by President Zelenskyy.
Rutte also noted that the first meeting of the NATO–Ukraine Council was held on June 3, calling it an important signal of the strength of relations between Kyiv and the Alliance.
At the same time, he emphasized that Russian military losses remain extremely high, exceeding 30,000 personnel per month.
