Zelenskyy thanks US over deal for 500 Patriot missiles but warns delivery could take years
Kyiv has long called for more interceptors to help its forces fend off Russian missile and drone attacks. The rapidly approaching winter is pressing home that need.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commended the United States for approving a deal to supply 500 Patriot missiles, but cautioned that delivery could take years. On Friday, the US State Department announced approval for a $2.1 billion package of Patriot PAC-3 interceptors, as Ukraine continues to fend off Russian missile and drone assaults.
Zelenskyy highlighted the significance of the PAC-3 interceptors in a social media post, stating they could provide a potent defense in the coming winter. However, he emphasized that deliveries may not commence for several years. The Ukrainian leader appealed to American partners to devise a plan for using the interceptors during times of genuine danger and need.
Previously, Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine had been awaiting US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's approval for a batch of Patriot and NASAMS missiles for nearly a month. Russia has persistently targeted Ukraine's power grid during wartime winters, aiming to weaken the nation's resolve. With diminishing interceptor stocks, Russia has increased missile attacks recently, and there are concerns that this could result in a particularly harsh winter for Ukrainians.
The US, along with European allies and other global partners, possesses ample PAC-3 interceptor stocks. Zelenskyy suggested that delivering these interceptors to Ukraine during the 2026–2027 winter and replenishing allies' arsenals later through contracts already negotiated and funded by Ukraine and its partners would be the appropriate course of action.
The Patriot missile system is among the world's most advanced air defense platforms, capable of countering various threats, including aircraft and ballistic missiles. Ukraine primarily receives its Patriots through NATO's Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, through which allies and partners finance military equipment and munitions.
As of June 2026, NATO members had pledged over $6 billion in defense equipment funding for Ukraine via this program.
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