Zelenskyy urges US to speed up Patriot deliveries
Washington approved the sale of 500 interceptors to counter Russian ballistic missile attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the U.S. for approving the sale of Patriot interceptors, but insisted Washington accelerate their delivery. He praised the U.S.'s "strong decision" to sell 500 Patriot PAC-3 interceptors to counter Russian ballistic missiles, but criticized the extended wait to receive them.
Zelenskyy stated that deliveries could only begin "in a few years" and that Ukraine urgently needs these interceptors to defend against Russian attacks. The Patriot interceptors are vital for Ukraine's defense against Russian ballistic missiles, especially with concerns about Moscow increasing attacks on energy facilities to cause winter blackouts.
Zelenskyy proposed delivering the interceptors immediately to protect Ukraine's energy infrastructure during the upcoming winter (2026-2027) and then replenishing the U.S. arsenal in subsequent years. The U.S. decision to sell the interceptors marks a thaw in relations between the White House and Kyiv after recent tensions. However, the U.S. declined to fund the purchase, stating that the total cost of $2.1 billion would be covered by partners and allies.
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