Israel sends Patriot system to U.S. for refurbishment, but Ukraine has yet to receive it — Zelenskyy

He made the remarks during a press conference on June 13, according to RBC-Ukraine.

Zelenskyy explained that prior to the Hamas attack, Ukraine had reached an agreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the potential purchase of Barak-8 systems — an Israeli equivalent to U.S.-made air defense systems. However, with the outbreak of war, Israel shifted its focus to its own security, and Ukraine did not continue negotiations for air defense transfers.

Later, information emerged suggesting Ukraine could receive older Patriot systems after refurbishment. Zelenskyy noted these were functioning systems that required technical updates. Some of them were located in Israel, and while Ukraine had hoped to receive up to four units, none have been delivered so far.

“There are systems that work, and there are donor countries helping to restore them,” Zelenskyy said. “Some of the systems were in Israel and could be operational again with some refurbishment. I won’t give an exact number because I don’t want to mislead — we were counting on four, but others suggested there might be a different figure.”

The president emphasized that while he’s grateful for the prospect of receiving the system, it currently remains in the United States, where it was sent from Israel for refurbishment — and it has yet to appear on Ukrainian territory.

• Earlier, on Espreso TV, Hennadiy Khazan, president of the All-Ukrainian Aviation Organization “Association of Private Pilots and Aircraft Owners,” said that Israel had transferred Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine despite denials from various sources.