Ukrainian president, NATO chief discuss provision of Patriot missiles to Kyiv

Zelenskyy, Rutte meet on sidelines of UN General Assembly, also discuss how Ukraine can secure ‘winter support package’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday that he discussed the provision of Patriot missiles to Kyiv during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. In a statement on US social media company X, Zelenskyy said the meeting took place as the Ukrainian capital experienced "three waves of ballistic strikes" by Russia, and that he briefed Rutte on the overnight attacks. “We have learned how to intercept cruise missiles and drones. We are now looking for solutions to counter jet-powered ‘shaheds,’ and we already have good results. But against ballistic missiles, for now, the only effective option is Patriot interceptors, which we need practically every day,” Zelenskyy said. They discussed Ukraine’s needs for Patriot missiles and how Ukraine "can secure a winter support package,” Zelenskyy said. “As Russia continues its terrible attacks on Ukraine and tries to rattle Allies to get them to slow their support, our response is clear. We’ll keep calm, carry on growing more capable, and continue to support Ukraine,” Rutte said on X, for his part. Zelenskyy arrived in New York late Monday, where he addressed the General Assembly on Wednesday and has taken part in several bilateral meetings since his arrival. Ukraine's State Emergency Service said Thursday morning that two people were killed and at least eight others were injured following overnight strikes in Kyiv. Later Thursday, Zelenskyy also met executives of more than 30 leading American companies and members of the Economic Advisory Group in New York.