The U.S. State Department has approved the sale of Patriot missiles worth $2.1 billion to Ukraine, funded by donations from Canada, Germany, and Norway. The transaction is facilitated through a U.S. program without utilizing U.S. financial resources.
State Department approves Patriot missile sale
The proposed sale aims to improve Ukraine’s integrated air and missile defense capabilities to counter current and future threats, the State Department stated. Patriot missiles are among the most critical weapons Ukraine uses to intercept Russian drones and missiles.
The State Department added that the sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security goals by enhancing the security of a partner state, which contributes to political and economic stability in Europe. While the approval has been granted, the sale still requires review by Congress.
Zelensky to U.S. lawmakers:We know that Pentagon is delaying the delivery of missiles that our partners had already paid for.New missile packages are waiting for Pete Hegseth's signature.Our partners in Europe are waiting for American approval to transfer their Patriot… pic.twitter.com/cLNWj3UqZP
Did you know? Ukraine has reported that Patriot systems are the only ones capable of effectively intercepting Russian ballistic missiles.
Zelensky Warns of Missile Shortages and Pentagon Delays
The approval follows complaints from Ukrainian authorities regarding delays in missile deliveries. President Volodymyr Zelensky warned this month that Ukraine is running low on vital weaponry needed to fight Moscow’s attacks and accused the Pentagon of delaying the delivery of missiles purchased by other nations for Ukraine’s use.
According to four sources cited by The Washington Post, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has not yet approved the delivery of missiles to Kyiv, including those provided by other supporting nations. An anonymous Ukrainian official told the publication that Kyiv has only a few Patriot missiles remaining.
While sources indicate Hegseth has not denied the deliveries, he has not completed the necessary formalities for approval. The Kyiv Independent cited Ukrainian officials who believe the delay is a tactic by Washington to exert political pressure on Kyiv, claiming that contracts for the missiles are on Hegseth’s desk unsigned despite allies having already paid for them.
U.S.-Ukraine diplomatic tensions
Delivery Timeline: The State Department’s announcement did not specify exactly when the weapons will be delivered to Ukraine.
Patriot Missile Funding Sources
| Funding Country | Total Value | Facilitator |
|---|---|---|
| Canada, Germany, Norway | $2.1 Billion | U.S. Government Program |
Patriot Delivery Frequently Asked Questions
Who is paying for the $2.1 billion missile shipment?
The funding comes from donations provided by Canada, Germany, and Norway; no U.S. financial resources are being used for the purchase.
Why is the delivery of these missiles being delayed?
Ukrainian officials cited by The Kyiv Independent allege the delay is for political pressure, while sources told The Washington Post that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has not yet signed the necessary formal paperwork.
How many missiles are included in the approved sale?
The sources do not specify the number of missiles included in the sale.
“Līgumi par “Patriot” raķetēm guļ uz Hegseta galda. Viņš tos neparaksta,” an official told The Kyiv Independent.
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