Zelensky Asks US to Sell Ukraine 5-10% of Patriot Missile Stock

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked the United States to sell Kyiv 5% to 10% of its stockpile of Patriot interceptor missiles, saying Ukraine urgently needs more air-defense ammunition to protect its population from intensified Russian missile attacks. Zelensky said 5% of the U.S. stockpile could help Ukraine get through the winter and save lives, while 10% would allow Kyiv to intercept what he described as all Russian ballistic missiles. He made the comments as Ukraine faces growing pressure on its air-defense capabilities. Zelensky said Ukraine now has only about 1% of the interceptor missiles it needs, while its supply of defensive missiles has fallen to less than half of last year’s level. He also said Russia has doubled its production of ballistic missiles. Ukraine has relied heavily on Western air-defense systems, including Patriot batteries, to protect cities and critical infrastructure from Russian ballistic and cruise missile attacks. Patriot systems are among the few Western systems capable of intercepting certain ballistic missiles. Zelensky said he is holding dozens of phone calls and confidential negotiations each day to secure additional missiles and explore possible exchanges, as Kyiv seeks to maintain its defenses against Russia’s continued nighttime attacks. The appeal highlights the growing pressure on Ukraine to replenish air-defense stocks as Russia increases its missile production and continues attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The post Zelensky Asks US to Sell Ukraine 5-10% of Patriot Missile Stock appeared first on Khaama Press.