Zelensky warns delivery could take YEARS after the US approves a $2.1bn sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine

Europe and Canada are funding the entire $2.1bn deal via the JUMPSTART programme, meaning no US taxpayer money is involved, but Zelensky cautioned that even with approval, the 500 PAC-3 interceptor missiles may not arrive for years. Russia struck two Ukrainian regions with ballistic missiles on Friday, the same day the sale was greenlit. Zelensky has said Patriots are the only weapon capable of downing Russian ballistic missiles, with Ukraine critically low on interceptors heading into winter.

Zelensky had accused the Pentagon of a near-month-long delay in signing off the missiles, naming Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth directly.

Norway, Germany and Canada are financing the purchase through JUMPSTART donations; Lockheed Martin is the principal contractor.

Russia is intensifying strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure ahead of winter, with a global shortage of Patriot interceptors worsening Kyiv's position.