Western air defense systems, including American Patriot, will arrive in Ukraine in the coming months, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a meeting of members of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities from Rivne region.

The head of state said the priority is to ensure the protection of industrial and economic centers with a sufficient number of air defense systems, his press service said.

"Thanks to our work and partners, we are increasing the number of Patriots and other systems. Therefore, we will continue to work in this direction. And in August, September and October, the corresponding systems will be in our country," Zelenskyy said.

During the meeting, which was attended by about 120 representatives of local authorities, businesses and banks, the importance of supporting Ukrainian defenders, the development of regional cooperation with other countries, the arrangement of school shelters and the situation in the energy sector were also discussed.

As noted by representatives of local authorities, additional generating capacities are being installed in Rivne region. Currently, 17 such installations are operating at heat supply and industrial enterprises. Also, about 1,200 houses in the region are equipped with solar panels.

The head of state, for his part, supported the proposal to expand the interest-free loan program for the installation of alternative energy sources at social infrastructure facilities.

In addition, the meeting participants discussed the provision of educational institutions with shelters, which can be located in basements and semi-basements.