U.S. approves sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine
The U.S. State Department has approved the sale of 500 Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine for $2.1 billion, with funding coming from Canada and European allies.
The State Department announced the approval on Friday, confirming that Ukraine will pay for the purchase using donations from Canada and European allies including Germany and Norway. No U.S. funds will be used in the transaction.
Lockheed Martin serves as the principal contractor for this agreement, which the department stated would have "no adverse impact" on U.S. defense readiness while supporting "foreign policy and national security objectives" by enhancing stability in Europe.
Urgent Appeal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the decision but expressed concern over the timeline for delivery. He noted more than 30 Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure in the past two weeks, targeting systems vital to civilian life.
Immediate Need
Zelenskyy urged the U.S. and European allies to provide Ukraine with Patriot systems currently in their stockpiles while replenishing those arsenals with the newly purchased missiles over the coming years. Ukraine has previously accused the U.S. of slowing critical missile deliveries.
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