Zelenskyy calls out monthlong wait for Hegseth to sign off on Patriot missiles
Kyiv has repeatedly pressed the need for more interceptors to be delivered to its forces as Ukraine continues to defend against deadly Russian missile attacks and jet-powered drone strikes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed frustration on Monday regarding a month-long delay in US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approving the delivery of Patriot interceptor missiles to Kyiv. In a social media update, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine has been awaiting approval to receive these crucial missiles for both the Patriot and NASAMS systems.
He revealed that Ukraine is actively seeking support from various sources, including the United States, Europe, and other partners with stocks of PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles. Zelenskyy instructed his team to reiterate the request to Washington and mentioned ongoing conversations with other countries. In recent weeks, Russian forces have launched numerous missile attacks on Ukraine, with Zelenskyy stating that 48 missiles were fired at the country over the past week alone.
The Ukrainian leader highlighted the urgent need to unblock the deliveries of already approved Patriot interceptors by European nations. The Patriot missile system is considered one of the world's most advanced air defense systems, capable of countering various threats, including aircraft and ballistic missiles. Ukraine primarily obtains its Patriot missiles through NATO's Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, which facilitates equipment and munitions purchases from the US by allies and partners.
As of June 2026, NATO allies had pledged over $6 billion in defense equipment funding for Ukraine through the program. The US Department of Defense's inspector general released a report in September, revealing that American forces had expended $22.3 billion worth of munitions in the Middle East since late February. Colonel Yurii Ihnat of the Ukrainian military expressed concern that the number of Patriot missiles Ukraine is awaiting could have sustained combat operations in Ukraine for several years.
The exact number of missiles Ukraine is still waiting for Hegseth to sign off on remains unclear, although reports suggest it is a substantial quantity.
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