KYV, Ukraine- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged the United States and its allies to send Ukraine Patriot air defence interceptors from existing stockpiles this winter, warning that a newly approved purchase may not arrive for years.
The US State Department approved a potential sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 MSE interceptors to Ukraine, estimated at $2.1 billion.
But Zelenskyy said the delivery terms could mean shipments start only “in a few years”, too late to address the immediate threat from Russian ballistic missile attacks.
The State Department’s announcement did not set out a delivery schedule.
In a statement, Zelenskyy said Russia had carried out more than 30 strikes on critical parts of Ukraine’s power grid in the first two weeks of October.
He said Russian attacks were targeting electricity, heating and water systems, bridges and other infrastructure that sustain life in Ukrainian cities and communities.
“Right now, the Russians are attacking our energy infrastructure every single day,” he said.
Ukraine had asked its American partners for a winter support package of 100 Patriot interceptors per month, Zelenskyy said.
He argued that 500 missiles could help protect Ukrainian skies over the coming months, as the country prepares for winter and seeks to maintain a strong position in negotiations with Russia.
The Ukrainian leader proposed that the United States, European countries and other partners transfer interceptors from their existing stocks now, then replenish those arsenals in later years with missiles covered by the new production contracts.
“Providing them to Ukraine right now, in the winter of 2026–2027, and replenishing our partners’ arsenals later, in the following years, through this production already contracted and paid for by Ukraine and our partners would be the right approach,” he said.
The approved purchase is to be funded by Ukraine and its partners, including contributions from Canada, Germany and Norway, alongside funds financed through an EU loan, according to the State Department notification.
Lockheed Martin is the principal contractor.
The proposed sale includes the interceptors, spare parts and logistical support.
Zelenskyy thanked US President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the State Department for approving the potential sale.
He said he had recently discussed PAC-3 interceptors with Rubio, but called for a solution that would put missiles in Ukraine’s hands while the threat is immediate.
“Five hundred missiles would be enough to protect our skies over the coming months,” Zelenskyy said, adding that the timing mattered as Russia continued to attack Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.
