Zelenskyy: US refuses to allow production of missiles for Patriot in Europe

The head of the Ukrainian state noted that all Ukrainian diplomats and Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov must be as proactive as possible in securing concrete results in the supply of air defense missiles to Ukraine.

According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he held a meeting with Mykhailo Fedorov during which Ukraine’s priority needs were identified. He also noted that there had been a significant number of negotiation formats with partners over the past week.

Ukraine also plans to separately raise the issue that Europe needs to produce its own air defense missiles. Zelenskyy pointed out that European countries are already expanding production, but the pace of this work is insufficient. The potential production volumes deserve particular attention.

"Ukraine raised this issue with America years ago, including the need to create sufficient missile production in Europe, particularly for Patriot. There were promises of licenses, but America ultimately did not proceed with this. Although we proposed production both in Ukraine and jointly with NATO partners in the region — with Romania, Poland, and others," the president added.

He expressed confidence that Europe will be able to provide itself with the necessary production volumes, but stressed that achieving this result sooner would be better for everyone.

Missile shortage for Patriot

On February 8, the Financial Times reported that Ukraine’s air defense system is facing a critical shortage of PAC-3 interceptor missiles for Patriot systems.

According to the outlet, in January, there were situations when launchers remained empty during Russian ballistic attacks. This allowed the enemy to strike Ukrainian power plants without obstruction.