Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the United States to approve the delivery of Patriot air-defense missiles already financed by Ukraine’s allies, citing delays in Washington’s authorization process.
Speaking to a U.S. congressional delegation on October 19, Zelensky said a shipment was awaiting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s signature.
He described recent American decisions regarding military assistance as “hard to explain,” according to Reuters.
Patriot Missiles Await Pentagon Approval
The missiles were purchased through the PURL program, which allows Ukraine’s partners to finance American-made weapons. According to The Washington Post, Hegseth has not rejected the transfers but has yet to complete the approval process.
Ukrainian officials told the Kyiv Independent that a substantial shipment of Patriot interceptors remained pending. The missiles are used to defend against Russian ballistic attacks.
However, a NATO official said military deliveries under the PURL program were continuing, including air-defense equipment. A U.S. official also disputed Ukraine’s allegations concerning the delays.
Zelensky suggested that political considerations could be affecting the approval process.
Zelensky Discusses Air Defense With Rubio
On October 20, Zelensky spoke by telephone with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about missile supplies, early-warning systems and access to Starlink and Starshield satellite services. According to the Ukrainian president, the discussion addressed Ukraine’s need for additional protection against Russian attacks. No agreement on missile deliveries or timetable was announced.
Zelensky also told American lawmakers that Ukraine had experienced three interruptions in advance missile warnings during the previous week. He proposed suspending Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries for 30 days in exchange for Patriot interceptors, following President Donald Trump’s calls to halt such attacks.
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