One Patriot missile shipment for Ukraine now waits only on Hegseth's signature

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accuses the US of deliberately dragging its feet on delivering interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems. According to him, European allies paid for the missiles. On Monday Zelensky warned US senators that one shipment is waiting only for the signature of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, after which it could be sent to Ukraine.

Part of the missiles from partner countries' stocks is intended for Ukraine, but the transfer requires US consent because the weapons are American-made. The Washington Post also reported on Monday that this is the case. According to the paper, Hegseth must formally approve the transfer. He has not rejected it, but he has not carried out the procedures required for approval either.

Zelensky said:

"The missiles are ready and could already be in Ukraine. But unfortunately there is still no approval." (translated)

Since the summer Ukraine has been struggling with a critical shortage of Patriot missiles, leaving its population increasingly exposed to almost daily Russian attacks. The US generally sends small quantities, often only a few missiles at a time, depending on production. Ukraine and its partners are therefore searching the world for additional stocks.

The hitch comes as relations between Trump and Zelensky are worsening again. Trump has criticized Zelensky several times in recent days. On Monday he told reporters at the White House:

"Zelensky is not helping very much. I think he does not want to end the war." (translated)

He added that it is time for someone else to negotiate on Ukraine's behalf. According to RTV SLO, he also said: "We have given Ukraine a lot. They have given us nothing. Remember that." Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, however, insist the US is still sharing intelligence with Ukraine, and deny that the exchange has been halted.

Trump is also under fire at home, over a deal with Vladimir Putin to lift sanctions in exchange for diesel fuel. Michael McCaul, the former Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and 20 colleagues from both parties warned the White House in a letter that lifting sanctions on Russian oil will encourage further Russian violence and destruction. Oil analysts doubt the deal will significantly affect diesel prices in the US, and according to media reports it has damaged relations with Ukraine.

Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, urged Trump to reaffirm support for Ukraine after meeting Zelensky in Kyiv on Sunday.