‘Interceptors Still Not Coming’ – Zelensky Says US Has Yet to Authorize Patriot Deliveries
President Zelensky warned that previously agreed Patriot interceptor deliveries remain delayed, leaving Ukraine short of critical air defenses against Russian ballistic attacks. He also warned that Starlink and Starshield speed restrictions continue to hamper Ukrainian military operations despite reports that services had been restored.
President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Friday, October 23, that crucial interceptor missiles required to defend Ukraine against Russian ballistic attacks remain unarrived, resulting in a significant air defense deficit as Moscow persists with nearly daily assaults. Addressing an online forum hosted by Washington's Hudson Institute, Zelensky stated that Washington has yet to sanction the delivery of previously agreed-upon Patriot interceptors, leaving Ukraine in a state of waiting for vital air defense missiles.
"We are waiting for interceptors that we have already agreed on, but they are still not coming," Zelensky declared. He expressed optimism that the missiles would soon be on their way but cautioned that the delay posed a serious issue, as Russian forces continued to launch attacks on Ukraine almost daily. Zelensky highlighted interceptor missiles for US-made Patriot air defense systems and energy supplies as Ukraine's two most urgent winter demands.
"We speak with different countries – Asia, the Middle East, and our European partners. Of course, we count on the American package," Zelensky stated during the Hudson Institute discussion. Despite the delayed military aid and ongoing Starlink and Starshield restrictions, Ukraine continues to hold its ground. "The speed limits on Starlink and Starshield are still there.
The speed has not been restored," Zelensky acknowledged, noting that the restrictions have complicated military operations. However, he emphasized that Ukrainian forces continue to defend their positions. "We are doing our best to keep our logistics working, and we continue defending ourselves," Zelensky affirmed.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
