Zelenskyy: US deliberately delaying interceptor missile deliveries to Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday, speaking to US senators, that Washington is deliberately holding up deliveries of interceptor missiles to Ukraine, which is defending itself against Russia's invasion. The claim deepens an open dispute with US President Donald Trump over the war and support for Kyiv.

Zelenskyy alleged that the Pentagon is delaying missiles already paid for by European countries through the Purl programme (the prioritised Ukraine requirements list). He said the shipment awaits the signature of US defence secretary Pete Hegseth. Several European countries are ready to hand over Patriot interceptors from their own stocks but are also waiting for US approval, he added. "All of this suggests that some political decision has been made to slow down the support for us," he said. The Washington Post reported that the Trump administration had not approved the transfer. A White House official told the paper the US continues to play a constructive role in talking to both sides.

Trump's criticism and intelligence

Trump blames Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries for soaring fuel prices, a major issue ahead of US midterm elections. On Monday he said it might be time for Zelenskyy to find someone else to negotiate. Zelenskyy called US decisions, including arms delays and intelligence-sharing restrictions, "hard to explain". Washington denies changing intelligence-sharing.

Ukrainian air force spokesperson Yuri Ihnat said Ukraine received no US warning before a Russian missile barrage hit Kyiv power plants at about 11pm on Sunday; a warning did come before a later strike.

Casualties and talks

In Nova Vodolaga in the Kharkiv region, a Russian drone struck a park near a cafe, killing six people, including young children and a one-year-old girl along with her mother. Zelenskyy called it a "pure atrocity".

According to Reuters sources, Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Norway this week for the next round of talks on ending the war, with Zelenskyy expected to attend. Witkoff is also set to visit Russian president Vladimir Putin. Schedules are tentative.

Pope Leo, in a phone call with Zelenskyy, urged Ukraine and Russia to cooperate so aid and food can reach the blockaded, Russian-occupied town of Oleshky.