By Fatma Younis
The United States has approved the sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 missiles to Ukraine for an estimated $2.1 billion, a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called a strong decision but cautioned that deliveries may not begin for several years.
US State Department Statement
The State Department said on Friday the proposed sale would improve Ukraine's capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing its integrated air and missile defense. The statement did not provide a delivery timeline.
Zelenskyy Urges Faster Timeline
In a post on X early Saturday, Zelenskyy thanked the US but noted deliveries were stipulated to begin only in a few years. He urged American partners to find a solution for the immediate danger, saying Russia attacks Ukrainian energy infrastructure daily.
Recent Russian Strikes
On Thursday, a Russian drone strike killed at least 14 people on a crowded rail platform in Dnipro, while five died in daytime strikes on two other provincial cities and a late-evening missile strike killed one person in Kyiv, officials said.
Call for Existing Stockpiles
Zelenskyy said US and European allies have sufficient Patriot interceptor stockpiles to provide to Ukraine now, which could be replenished in coming years through contracts already paid for by Ukraine and its partners. He called this approach entirely feasible.
Tensions with Washington
Delayed missile deliveries have added to Kyiv's tensions with Washington after US President Donald Trump announced a diesel deal with Russia and criticized Zelenskyy for Ukraine's unwillingness to stop attacks on Russian refineries.
Delivery Estimates Extend to 2030s
Two people briefed on the US decision said the missiles, which are yet to be manufactured, are not expected to be delivered until a couple of years into the 2030s. Ukraine's Ministry of Defense is encouraging the Pentagon to bring forward the date, possibly by supplying missiles already in US arsenals and backfilling with new interceptors.
Funding and Contractor
Ukraine will pay for the missiles with contributions from Canada, Germany, and Norway routed through the US Jumpstart program, along with national funds financed by the EU's Ukraine Support Loan. Lockheed Martin is the principal contractor for the sale.
US Inventory Concerns
The US has supplied large quantities of weapons to allies while also using munitions in its own military operations in Iran, raising concerns about inventories of key air defense and precision-guided weapons.
