US approves $2.1 billion sale of 500 Patriot interceptors to Ukraine; Zelenskyy warns delivery could take years

The US State Department has approved a proposed sale to Ukraine of 500 PAC-3 Patriot air defence interceptors worth about $2.1 billion, RFE/RL, AP and the BBC report. The missiles are being purchased with funds from Canada, Germany and Norway; as with other foreign military sales, the deal is subject to review by the US Congress.

The State Department said the sale would serve US foreign policy and national security goals “by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political and economic stability in Europe”.

Kyiv: welcome, but too slow

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called it a “strong decision” and said 500 interceptors is “a substantial number”. But he warned that “deliveries may begin only in a few years” and asked US partners to find a solution for the period “when there is a real danger and a real need” to use the missiles, as Russia keeps striking Ukraine’s energy system.

PAC-3 interceptors are regarded as the most effective defence against Russian ballistic missiles. The announcement came after Zelenskyy again urged Washington on 30 October to speed up deliveries, saying Ukrainian intelligence had detected preparations for new Russian ballistic strikes.

Context

In September the European Commission approved €6.1 billion in defence procurement for Ukraine, including PAC-3 interceptors bought under a special exception to EU rules. Russian drone and missile attacks killed at least 20 people across Ukraine on 29 October, including 14 at Dnipro railway station, Reuters reported.