State Department approved the purchase of 500 missiles, but delivery will take years
The United States Department of State has approved the sale of 500 PAC-3 interceptor missiles to Ukraine for Patriot air defense systems. However, the delivery schedule entails transferring the weapons only in several years, while Kyiv requires protection for its energy grid this winter. This is reported by the portal PromPolitInform, citing the Telegram channel of Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that American missiles are immediately necessary for the state to counter Russian ballistic threats. According to him, during the final two weeks of October, Russian forces carried out over 30 targeted strikes against critical facilities of the domestic power grid.
The enemy attacks target the destruction of electricity, heating, water supply, bridges, and the overall livelihood of Ukrainian cities and communities. The Head of State noted that the Ukrainian side had approached Washington partners with a request for a winter support package of 100 interceptors per month.
Need for Protection During the Heating Season
Having 500 missiles would allow for the reliable closure of the airspace over the coming months. This is critically important for maintaining national resilience amid attempts to shatter infrastructure and during upcoming negotiations.
As the Ukrainian leader pointed out, Western partners maintain sufficient ready stockpiles of such anti-air assets in their own warehouses. Transferring them to Kyiv in the winter of 2026–2027 with subsequent replenishment of partners’ arsenals through new production remains entirely feasible.
Diplomatic Efforts and Contacts with Washington
Official Kyiv expressed gratitude to the American leadership for the decision allowing the procurement of weapons. Specifically, a recent discussion of this issue took place during communication with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
At the same time, the country’s authorities request finding mechanisms that can guarantee the protection of civilian lives not in the distant future, but precisely during the period of active military threat.
Illustrative photo: President Of Ukraine from Україна / CC0
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