Zelensky Says Ukraine Is Nearly Out of Patriot Interceptors

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told U.S. lawmakers that Ukraine had almost no U.S.-supplied Patriot interceptors left and that shipments and transfers awaiting U.S. approval could replenish its stocks. The account of the shortage and pending approvals comes from Zelensky; the supplied information does not independently establish the status of those decisions. Speaking to senators on Monday, October 19, Zelensky said a new package of missiles paid for by European countries was waiting for approval from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He also said European countries were waiting for U.S. authorization to transfer Patriot interceptors from their own stockpiles. Zelensky said the missiles were ready to be sent but had not been approved. He described the shortage as a concern as Russia continues missile attacks on Ukraine. Zelensky said Ukraine had received no advance warning from its partners before a Russian missile attack. Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yuri Ihnat said Ukraine had no warning before a barrage hit power plants in Kyiv, but received a warning before a subsequent strike. Zelensky argued that the delays and other restrictions suggested a political decision...