Ukraine’s Zelenskyy praises US over $2.1bn Patriot missile deal but warns it could take years
Summary
The US approved a sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 missiles to Ukraine for an estimated $2.1 billion, but did not give a delivery date. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the approval while urging the US and European allies to provide interceptors from existing stockpiles, saying Ukraine needs them now to defend against Russian attacks.Key Facts
- The US State Department said the sale would strengthen Ukraine’s air and missile defenses.
- Two people briefed on the decision said the missiles are not expected to arrive until a couple of years into the 2030s.
- Zelenskyy said Russian forces were attacking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure daily and called for an interim supply of interceptors.
- Zelenskyy said US and European allies had Patriot interceptors they could provide now and replenish later.
- Canada, Germany and Norway are contributing to the purchase, alongside Ukrainian funds supported by an EU loan.
- Lockheed Martin is the principal contractor for the sale.
- Ukrainian officials reported that Russian strikes killed at least 14 people in Dnipro and others in two provincial cities and Kyiv on Thursday.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
