Ukraine has been waiting for almost a month for the signature of US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth regarding the supply of missiles for Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems. President Volodymyr Zelensky has instructed to raise this issue again with the American side, as the necessary ammunition has still not arrived.
The head of state announced this on October 26 following a conference call dedicated to the supply of weapons from international partners and the restoration of Ukrainian energy after Russian strikes.
According to Zelensky, the Minister of Defense, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs reported on the situation with providing Ukrainian air defense with interceptor missiles.
Main efforts are focused on obtaining PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems, which are used, in particular, to defend against Russian missile attacks.
Ukraine is negotiating with the US, European countries, and other partners that have corresponding stockpiles of ammunition.
"For almost a month we have been waiting for Mr. Hegseth's signature", - Zelensky said, clarifying that it concerns missiles for Patriot and NASAMS.
The President instructed to discuss the delay with the American side once again. In parallel, Kyiv continues contacts with other states regarding the possibility of accelerating supplies.
American approval delays the supply of anti-missile missiles
The problem with the approval of American missile deliveries for Ukrainian air defense arose earlier. Some of the munitions that European partners are ready to transfer to Ukraine require separate approval from Washington.
As reported by "Course of Ukraine" with reference to The Washington Post, Pete Hegseth did not sign the necessary documents for the transfer of Patriot missiles that had already been funded by Ukraine's allies.
At the same time, the American side has not publicly announced a final refusal to supply. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained that decisions on the transfer of such munitions are made taking into account the needs of American forces and other allies.
The delays are especially critical ahead of winter, as Russia continues to attack Ukrainian power plants, substations, and other critical infrastructure facilities.
Zelensky did not specify exactly how many missiles Ukraine is expecting, when they might arrive, or which specific supplies require the Pentagon chief's signature.
Ukraine prepares for the November "Ramstein"
During the meeting, they also discussed preparations for the next meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the "Ramstein" format, scheduled for November.
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine needs to accelerate the implementation of previously agreed decisions on military support.
The President did not name a specific date for the upcoming meeting or the list of new aid packages.
Equipment reserves are used for energy restoration
A separate topic of the conference call was the restoration of energy infrastructure damaged by Russian strikes.
Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky reported to the President on the progress of repair work in the regions.
According to Zelensky, energy companies and emergency crews are working almost continuously. Pre-created equipment reserves are being used to repair damaged facilities.
The President instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Energy, and other responsible structures to ensure timely replenishment of these reserves.
The volume of available reserves, specific needs for additional equipment, and deadlines for completing restoration work are not specified in the message.
Based on materials: Volodymyr Zelensky
