US approves sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine
The United States has approved a $2.1 billion sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine to bolster its defense against Russian aerial strikes. While the aid is critical, President Zelensky noted that delivery could take years, even as Russian attacks continue to devastate civilian infrastructure.
Why it matters
This sale underscores the ongoing international support for Ukraine's defense and the persistent challenges in maintaining energy infrastructure during the war.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Jaroslav Lukiv Reuters The United States has approved the sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine, a critically needed munition for defence against escalating Russian aerial attacks.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned it could take "several years" for the deliveries to arrive.
The US State Department said the advanced PAC-3 interceptor missiles would cost $2.1bn (£1.6bn) and would be "funded entirely" by Kyiv's allies in Europe and Canada.
On Friday night Zelensky repeated his calls for the US to speed up the release of its Patriots – the only effective weapon for downing Russia's deadly ballistic missiles.
In an update on Saturday morning, Zelensky said around 200,000 households in the Dnipro region were left without electricity as well as at least 80,000 households in the Kyiv region following Russian strikes on Friday night.
Headlinne story · 3 newsrooms
State Department Clears Interceptor Deal for Ukraine as Kyiv Pleads for Immediate Stockpiles
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US approves sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine
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