Ukraine’s Zelenskyy praises US over $2.1bn Patriot missile deal but warns it could take years
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has welcomed a $2.1 billion US deal for 500 Patriot missiles but cautioned that delivery could take years. He emphasized that Ukraine urgently needs current stockpiles to defend against daily Russian attacks on energy infrastructure.
Why it matters
The Patriot missile system is critical for Ukraine's defense against ballistic missiles, and the timing of these deliveries directly impacts the country's ability to protect its power grid during the war.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy greets Ukrainian soldiers in front of a Patriot anti-aircraft missile system in Germany in 2024. Photograph: Getty Images Volodymyr Zelenskyy greets Ukrainian soldiers in front of a Patriot anti-aircraft missile system in Germany in 2024. Photograph: Getty Images Ukraine Ukraine’s Zelenskyy praises US over $2.1bn Patriot missile deal but warns it could take years The Ukrainian president called the US decision strong, but added that delivery of 500 Patriot PAC-3 missiles could take years
Prefer the Guardian on Google The US has approved the sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 missiles to Ukraine for an estimated $2.1bn, but Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned deliveries could take years and stockpiles were needed now to counter Russian ballistic missile attacks.
“The proposed sale will improve Ukraine’s capability to meet current and future threats by improving its integrated air and missile defense capabilities,” the US state department said in a statement on Friday.
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