Zelensky says US-approved Patriot missiles could reach Ukraine in years

Ukraine needs Patriot air defence missiles this winter, but missiles approved for purchase from the United States may not arrive for several years, President Volodymyr Zelensky said, according to LRT.

Zelensky said Ukraine had asked its US partners for a winter aid package of 100 Patriot missiles a month. He said 500 missiles could help protect the country’s skies in the coming months, when Ukraine needs a strong position in negotiations and Russia must not be allowed to destroy life in Ukrainian cities and communities.

He called the US State Department’s decision to allow Ukraine to buy 500 PAC-3 interceptors for Patriot systems a strong one, but urged the United States, European countries and other partners to transfer missiles from their stockpiles to Ukraine during the 2026-2027 winter. Their arsenals could be replenished next year through production already planned and funded by Ukraine and its partners, he said.

Zelensky thanked Washington for its support and urged partners to make decisions that would protect lives now, not later. The United States has approved the sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine, with Canada and European partners providing the funding, LRT reported.