Ukraine successfully deploys domestic missiles while developing Patriot analogue — Zelensky
Фото: Рубрика / Микола Тимченко
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine is working with its partners to secure the delivery of all five Patriot systems promised at the Washington NATO summit. Additionally, Ukraine is developing its own analogues of these systems. He also highlighted the successful deployment of Ukrainian missiles "Palianytsia," "Peklo," and "Ruta," while ballistic missiles are still in development. Furthermore, he emphasized that the Ukrainian army should begin preparing for a full transition to a professional, contract-based army.
Zelensky made these remarks at the "Ukraine. Year 2025" forum, according to Rubryka.
Patriot systems
"Regarding the Patriot systems, not everyone has followed through after the comprehensive decision made at the Washington NATO summit—unfortunately, those are the terms. And I'm not even talking about new systems, but the ones we agreed on back in July last year.
We are actively working on these issues, focusing on air defense systems and developing Ukrainian analogues—but I won't say more," the president said.
Ukrainian missiles
President stated that the Ukrainian missiles "Palianytsia," "Peklo," and "Ruta" are already in use and have been successful. Meanwhile, ballistic missiles are still in development.
"Palianytsia is flying, Peklo is flying, Ruta is flying. They are successful—they have military targets, they have hits. These three are operational, while ballistics are still being prepared," Zelensky said.
Reference on Ukrainian missile capabilities
Palianytsia – First mentioned by Zelensky on Independence Day, August 24, 2024, this missile-drone had already been used in combat by then. While its exact specifications remain undisclosed, reports suggest a range of 600 km and a speed of approximately 400 km/h.
Peklo – A small-sized missile-drone equipped with jet propulsion, making it faster than conventional attack drones. It can reach speeds of up to 700 km/h and has a range of 700 km.
Ruta – Developed by the company Destinus, this is a jet-powered drone with a flight range of 300 km and speeds between 500 and 800 km/h.
The government has announced plans to produce 3,000 missiles and 30,000 long-range drones by the end of the year.
Contract-based army
The Ukrainian army should begin preparing for a full transition to a professional, contract-based force, a necessary step for when the "hot" stage of the war ends.
"The military are professionals, but some people joined through mobilization. This issue must be addressed now—the army must prepare for a full transition to a contract-based system, especially after the active phase of the war ends," Zelensky said.
The president noted that Ukraine's standing army currently consists of approximately 800,000 troops. However, he emphasized that this does not mean soldiers will be prevented from returning home once the intense phase of the war concludes.
Zelensky has tasked military leadership with planning this transition, including a pilot program for contract-based service targeting recruits aged 18 to 24. "The General Staff already has a pilot project for an 18-24-year-old contract army. They need to develop this plan so that when the 'hot' stage of the war ends, they can implement it," he added.
In early 2025, Ukraine began reforming its military recruitment system to attract younger soldiers and expand personnel numbers. By February, Zelensky announced an initiative offering a special contract for conscripts aged 18 to 24, which includes various benefits related to education, salary, and housing.
Zelensky's press conference
President Volodymyr Zelensky is holding a press conference today, February 23, in connection with the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. The event follows the "Ukraine. Year 2025" forum.
During the press conference, Zelensky stated that he would not sign an agreement with the United States on minerals if it meant that the debt would have to be repaid by ten generations of Ukrainians. He emphasized the need for a dialogue with US President Donald Trump on the matter.
Additionally, Zelensky said he is willing to resign from the presidency if it would bring peace to Ukraine or lead to the country's accession to NATO.
