Zelenskyy Says US Delays Patriot Missiles as Russian Strikes Kill 4 Across Ukraine
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Oct 20
Zelenskyy Says US Delays Patriot Missiles as Russian Strikes Kill 4 Across Ukraine
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Oct 20
Summary
European-funded interceptor missiles for Ukraine are being held up at the Pentagon, Zelenskyy told US senators, saying the shipment still awaits Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s signature.
Several European countries are also ready to send Patriot interceptors from their own stockpiles but still need US approval, reinforcing Zelenskyy’s claim that support is being slowed for political reasons.
The accusation widened Zelenskyy’s clash with Trump, who said someone else should negotiate for Ukraine and has blamed Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries for higher US fuel prices; the White House denied any intelligence-sharing change.
Russian attacks underscored Kyiv’s urgency: strikes killed 4 people and wounded at least 11 on Tuesday, after a drone attack in Kharkiv region a day earlier killed 6, including a 1-year-old girl.
The dispute comes as Trump envoy Steve Witkoff is expected in Norway this week for new war talks that could include Zelenskyy, before a planned trip to Russia to meet Vladimir Putin.