US approves sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine
The United States has given approval for the sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine, a weapons system seen as essential for countering intensifying Russian aerial strikes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cautioned that the delivery of the missiles could take several years to be completed.
According to the US State Department, the advanced PAC-3 interceptor missiles are valued at $2.1bn (£1.6bn) and will be fully financed by Ukraine's European allies and Canada.
On Friday evening, Zelensky again urged Washington to accelerate the release of Patriot systems, describing them as the only effective defence against Russia's ballistic missile attacks.
The announcement follows a recent disagreement between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, after Washington eased sanctions on Russia as part of an agreement to secure Russian diesel supplies.
Trump had suggested it was time for Ukraine to choose new leadership capable of reaching a deal to end the war with Russia. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, following its earlier annexation of Crimea and parts of the Donbas region.
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!