Kiev urgently seeks more Patriot missiles; US resists supply
3 Min Read
Ukraine's existing stock is dwindling, and yet it faces resistance from the Trump administration and NATO allies reluctant to part with their own systems.
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Firefighters try to put out a fire following a Russian attack in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, May 25, 2025. (AP)
Ukraine is increasingly concerned about securing more US-made Patriot air defense systems, as the stockpile delivered during the Biden administration is running low and the new administration is resisting sending more, according to six Ukrainian and Western officials.
During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Marco Rubio stated that Ukraine’s primary new military request from the Trump administration is more Patriot missiles and launchers, which it currently lacks.
Rubio stated that the US is "encouraging" its NATO allies to donate Patriot systems from their stockpiles, but added that none want to part with the system.
A European diplomat in Kiev noted that US manufacturer Raytheon is still expanding its production lines to meet demand post-2022.
No free Patriots: Ukraine faces a business-minded approach
A senior Ukrainian official told The Washington Post he does not expect Washington to block future sales of air defense systems to Ukraine but understands the White House "won’t give them for free."
The Trump administration allowed Germany to re-export Patriot components to Kiev after Ukraine signed a critical minerals agreement in April, though the US retains veto rights over the resale of any of its military hardware.
Germany plans to send older PAC-2 Patriot missiles and IRIS-T systems to Ukraine, but these are less effective against ballistic threats. Even the newer PAC-3 missiles cannot intercept Russia’s recently unveiled Oreshnik missile, according to Ukrainian intelligence.
The intelligence official added that while Ukraine can use domestically developed air defenses and European aid to counter drones and cruise missiles, it still urgently needs Patriot systems and ballistic missile interceptors, arguing that having enough Patriots is a matter of life or death.
He also emphasized that asking countries to donate Patriots is not easy due to their costly nature and how they form a core part of each nation's national defense.
Although he emphasized deep gratitude to the US for this, he noted it was far from enough.
Fears of provoking Russia
Three European officials said NATO allies have held weeks of discussions about locating an additional Patriot system for Ukraine, possibly from somewhere in Europe, but no breakthrough has been made.
One official described the negotiations for obtaining new US systems later in exchange for donating one to Ukraine now as, “There are discussions like ‘we can give this one up, but then we want a new one for a cheaper price.’”
The air defense issue is expected to be discussed when Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visits NATO headquarters for a meeting in early June. An announcement about a Patriot pledge to Ukraine could come, but not from the United States.
The Trump administration appears reluctant to make major announcements on weapons deliveries to Kiev, fearing it could derail negotiations. “They seem to believe that a big Patriot missile announcement would be highly undesirable because it would infuriate Putin,” the official said. “They’re deeply concerned this could jeopardize any potential peace talks.”
