US Approves $2.1B Patriot Missile Sale to Ukraine, Zelensky Warns Delivery Could Take Years
US approves $2.1 billion sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine, but President Zelensky warns delivery could take years as Russia escalates attacks.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, United States — The U.S. State Department on Friday approved a $2.1 billion sale of 500 Patriot PAC‑3 interceptor missiles to Ukraine, a move aimed at strengthening Kyiv’s air defenses against Russian attacks.
The deal, announced on Oct. 30, would see 500 Patriot missile systems delivered to Ukrainian forces, with the U.S. earmarking the funds to bolster the nation’s deterrent capabilities amid escalating conflict.
President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that the shipment could take years to arrive, a delay that may leave Ukraine without the weapons it urgently needs as Russia intensifies its strikes on cities and energy infrastructure, while NATO’s top military commander said there are no expected delays to the deliveries.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
