Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Consumes 35 Patriot Missiles Monthly

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on October 28 that Ukraine receives an average of 12 Patriot interceptor missiles from the United States each month this year. The president described securing these weapons as the most difficult aspect of military purchases from Washington.

Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine consumes approximately 35 missiles per month to counter Russian ballistic attacks. He said US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently approved a package of 12 interceptors. Zelenskyy identified the approval of 23 additional missiles, which Kyiv sourced elsewhere, as the current sticking point in negotiations.

The president explained that he must seek new aid packages weekly to maintain air defenses. He characterized the broader equipment purchases from the US as successful, noting that European financing covered the costs and deliveries proceeded without issue.

Zelenskyy recounted a recent meeting with Donald Trump in New York where he requested a specific winter supply of missiles. According to Zelenskyy, he listed the countries holding stockpiles after Trump asked where the weapons could be found. Trump responded that the US would try to help but also required the missiles for its own limited inventory.

These comments follow an announcement on October 26, when Zelenskyy said Kyiv had waited nearly a month for Hegseth to sign off on Patriot and NASAMS systems. He instructed his team to reopen discussions with US officials at that time. Zelenskyy told the press he works daily to secure the necessary interceptors.

The Ukrainian leader said that if the winter package is approved, Ukraine will refrain from striking oil refineries. He presented the specific numbers of required missiles to the US president during their New York meeting. The US president acknowledged the need for support while citing domestic stockpile constraints.