U.S. State Department Approves Possible $2.1 Billion Sale of 500 Patriot Missiles to Ukraine

The U.S. State Department, which oversees American foreign policy, has approved a possible sale of PAC-3 missiles to Ukraine. The missiles are intended for the Patriot air defense systems that Ukraine uses against Russian attacks, according to a statement from the department.

The deal is estimated at $2.1 billion. The department said partners and allies, rather than Ukraine itself, would cover the full cost.

The statement did not say when deliveries under the package might begin.

Ongoing shortage of Patriot missiles

Ukrainian authorities have reported shortages of Patriot missiles for several months. Officials in Kyiv say deliveries are critical to the country's defense, especially ahead of winter, when Russian ballistic missile attacks on energy infrastructure are expected to intensify.

In recent weeks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly accused the United States, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth personally, of deliberately delaying deliveries of interceptor missiles that NATO countries have already paid for.

Zelensky says Ukraine currently receives an average of just 12 Patriot missiles a month.