U.S-approved Patriot missiles newly manufactured, deliveries expected after 2030 – media

On Friday, the Trump administration gave the green light to sell 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine, according to the State Department. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that the delivery of these interceptor missiles could take several years. The approval of the sale now goes to Congress for further review. The move comes after Ukrainian authorities expressed growing concerns over dwindling supplies of the interceptor missiles.

The State Department said the proposed sale would enhance Ukraine's ability to counter current and future threats by bolstering its integrated air and missile defense capabilities. The exact timeline for the weapons' delivery to Ukraine was not disclosed in the statement. President Zelensky, in a post on X, stated that deliveries may only commence in a few years.

He also suggested that the US and European allies could provide his country with already stockpiled missiles until this new purchase becomes available. The Patriot missiles are crucial for intercepting Russian drones and missiles. The State Department emphasized that this potential sale would bolster US foreign policy and national security objectives by improving the security of a partner nation that plays a vital role in political and economic stability in Europe.

US-Ukraine tensions heightened earlier this month following a deal between Washington and Russia regarding diesel fuel. Additionally, Ukraine alleged that the US was reducing its access to satellite internet services and had ceased some intelligence sharing. These tensions were alleviated after Zelensky met with US envoys in Oslo on October 20.

The State Department clarified that the weapons sale would be funded by donations from Ukraine's allies, not by US funds.