Ukraine Pushes to Accelerate Patriot Air Defense Deal as Russian Missile Threat Grows

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says an agreement to purchase additional Patriot air defense systems has already been reached “at the highest political level,” but implementation remains stalled due to unresolved financial, legal, and technical issues.

In a statement following a meeting with Ukraine’s defense, foreign affairs, and national security officials, Zelenskyy expressed frustration with the delays, saying “the wait has taken too long.” He ordered all preparatory work to be completed within one week and warned that failure to move forward could result in personnel changes.

The push comes as Russia continues its missile campaign against Ukraine. Addressing a meeting of the Ukraine–NATO Council on Wednesday, Zelenskyy said Russia now produces approximately 120 ballistic missiles per month, in addition to other missile types, giving Moscow the ability to launch multiple large-scale attacks every month.

According to Zelenskyy, Russia launched more than 650 drones overnight and roughly 100 more during the day in a recent wave of attacks that killed 23 people, including children.

While thanking partners for supplying Patriot interceptors through NATO support mechanisms, Zelenskyy argued that current deliveries are insufficient.

“We need more Patriot interceptors, and we need them delivered faster,” he said.

Zelenskyy also renewed his call for the United States and European allies to provide licenses that would allow Ukraine and other European countries to produce Patriot systems and interceptors domestically, arguing that current global production capacity cannot meet existing security demands.

The Ukrainian president said Russia’s battlefield gains remain limited despite heavy losses, estimating Russian forces are losing between 30,000 and 35,000 troops per month. He also pointed to Ukrainian strikes on fuel and logistics infrastructure inside Russia and occupied territories as evidence that pressure on Moscow is increasing.

As Ukraine prepares for upcoming G7 and NATO meetings, Zelenskyy said strengthening air defenses remains the country’s most urgent priority.

“Russia has only one final argument left – ballistic missiles,” he told NATO partners. “There are enough missiles in the world to provide that protection. What is needed is the political will to make sure Ukraine receives them.”