Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Has Few Patriot Interceptors Left

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told U.S. lawmakers on October 19 that Ukraine had almost no U.S.-supplied Patriot interceptors left and that shipments and transfers awaiting U.S. approval could replenish its stock. The statements come as Russia continues missile attacks, but no approval or delivery decision was reported by October 20. Zelenskyy said a shipment of Patriot missiles purchased by European allies through NATO’s Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) was awaiting approval from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He said European countries were also waiting for U.S. authorization to transfer interceptors from their own stockpiles. According to Zelenskyy, the missiles were ready to be sent but had not been approved. The shortage matters because Patriot systems are used to intercept Russian ballistic missiles. Zelenskyy said Ukraine had received no partner warning before the first wave of Russian ballistic missiles on the night of October 18-19. Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat also said partner information did not arrive before that first wave. Zelenskyy argued that the delays and other restrictions suggested a political decision to slow U.S....