Zelensky: Ukraine receives 12 Patriot interceptors monthly, requests approval of winter package
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is receiving an average of 12 Patriot interceptor missiles per month from the United States in 2026, compared with an estimated monthly need of about 150. He asked US President Donald Trump in New York to approve a winter interceptor package, while the approval process for 23 missiles found in other countries remained unresolved.
أبرز النقاط
- Ukraine receives an average of 12 Patriot interceptors from the US per month in 2026.
- Ukraine's estimated need is about 150 interceptors per month.
- The US supplied 24 Patriot interceptors over the preceding 90 days.
- Ukraine used 35 interceptors during the month covered by Zelensky's account.
- Pete Hegseth signed documents for a US package containing 12 interceptors.
- Approval for 23 interceptors found in other countries remained unresolved.
- Zelensky asked Trump to approve a winter interceptor package in New York.
لماذا يهمّ ذلك
The reported delivery rate is far below Ukraine's estimated requirement of roughly 150 Patriot interceptors per month. The shortage is directly linked to the country's ability to counter Russian ballistic attacks: Ukraine reportedly used 35 interceptors in one month, while 21 ballistic missiles launched at Kyiv on October 22 were not intercepted. The issue also affects strikes on Russian oil refineries, which Zelensky said could be halted if Ukraine received the requested missiles.
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Zelensky said Ukraine was receiving an average of 12 Patriot interceptors per month from the United States in 2026, while only 24 missiles had been delivered over the preceding 90 days. He estimated that Ukraine needed about 150 interceptors each month to defend against ballistic targets and said Ukraine had used 35 during the month under discussion. Pete Hegseth signed documents for a US package of 12 interceptors, although Zelensky said Ukraine had waited nearly a month for the signature. Approval for another 23 missiles identified in other countries was still incomplete. In New York, Zelensky asked Trump to approve a winter interceptor package and provided information on possible sources. Trump responded that the United States would do its utmost to supply the missiles but that its own stocks were limited.
كيف تصفه المصادر الأوكرانية
Ukrainian coverage centered on the gap between actual deliveries and Ukraine's needs, the slow approval process and the operational consequences of interceptor shortages. It also highlighted Zelensky's statement that receiving the requested missiles could lead Ukraine to refrain from attacking Russian oil refineries, alongside reports of unsuccessful interceptions during intensified Russian ballistic attacks.
كيف تصفه المصادر الدولية
International reporting emphasized insufficient PAC-3 production capacity and global demand exceeding supply as key causes of the shortage. US and other international coverage also focused on competing regional demand, limited American stocks and the possibility of increased support for Ukraine.
الخلفية
The shortage has been attributed to the war in the Middle East, limited US stocks, insufficient PAC-3 production capacity and worldwide demand exceeding supply. European funding under the PURL program has paid for weapons purchased from the United States, but Patriot missiles remained an exception involving difficulties. The program also covers 20-millimeter ammunition for F-16, HIMARS, Patriot and AIM systems.