KIVY - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that his country is preparing a contract with the United States to purchase 25 Patriot air defense systems, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported Monday.

Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine needs several of these systems urgently, while additional units will be required in the longer term as a security guarantee.

Acknowledging that there is already a queue for the Patriots, Zelensky said the United States could prioritize Ukraine if there is political will.

Ukraine received its first Patriot system in April 2023.