Washington Approves Sale of 500 Patriot Missiles to Ukraine for $2.1 Billion

The US State Department announced on Friday that it had approved the sale of 500 "Patriot PAC-3" missiles to Ukraine for $2.1 billion, according to Reuters.

In a statement, the department said Ukraine would pay for the missiles through contributions from Canada, Germany, and Norway, alongside funds from the European Union's loan supporting Ukraine.

Lockheed Martin is the main contractor for this deal.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said earlier this week that Ukraine had been waiting for nearly a month for US approval of vital missile supplies, as Russia intensified attacks on civilian infrastructure and energy facilities.

Zelenskyy repeatedly called on the United States, which provides Ukraine with missiles purchased by NATO members for Kyiv, to accelerate deliveries before winter arrives.