Washington (EFE).- Delays in the delivery of Patriot interceptor missiles, made in the United States, to Ukraine, denounced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have deepened bilateral tensions amid claims from Kyiv over disruptions in intelligence sharing and restrictions on satellite communications.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio admitted on Tuesday during a visit to India that there could be delays in shipments of these projectiles, which are vital for defending against Russian attacks.
«It could be the case, because these things are always reviewed through the context of whether they’re needed somewhere else, or whether they even need to remain in Europe,» Rubio said regarding these operations, which remain pending approval from the Pentagon, though he insisted there is no deliberate attempt to harm Ukraine.
Pending deliveries
The delay affects batches of US-made Patriot interceptor missiles purchased by European allies for Ukraine, whose transfer has not yet been approved by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, according to sources cited by The Washington Post.
In a virtual meeting on Monday with US lawmakers, reported by the Kyiv Post, Zelenskyy noted that several partners were prepared to transfer the weaponry and were only waiting for Pentagon authorization.
«So the missiles are ready and they could already be in Ukraine, but unfortunately, there is still no approval,» he said.
Washington maintains control over shipments of Patriot missiles, which are subject to an agreement requiring approval from the US government for any third-party transfers.
Why are the Patriots so critical for Ukraine?
The Patriot system is an air and missile defense platform, representing one of the few assets Ukraine possesses to defend against Russian ballistic missiles and drones at a time when Moscow has intensified its attacks.
These interceptors are essential for protecting cities and energy infrastructure. Last week, a source familiar with the situation told CNN that Ukraine had depleted its reserves of these missiles.
Licensing promises and the war in Iran
The war the US has been waging in Iran for over seven months has diminished stockpiles of this weaponry.
In April, Zelenskyy repeatedly expressed concern that a prolonged or expanding conflict could deprive Ukraine of Patriot systems received from the US and funded by its allies.
Following a private meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart back in July, US President Donald Trump said he would grant Kyiv the necessary license to manufacture US Patriot missile systems independently.
Zelenskyy later confirmed in September during his address at the United Nations General Assembly that Trump authorized the delivery of licenses to produce Patriots on Ukrainian soil, though no further details have emerged to date.
Intelligence gaps and Starlink restrictions
Just two months later, relations between both governments have deteriorated amid accusations from Trump that Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy facilities are responsible for current diesel price increases, as well as the signing of an agreement to buy fuel from Russia and the easing of sanctions against Moscow.
Zelenskyy’s complaints regarding Patriot interceptor delays follow earlier statements pointing to interruptions in US intelligence flows and access restrictions to Starshield (Starlink’s military satellite system), the Elon Musk system relied upon by the Ukrainian military.
The Ukrainian leader has attributed these actions to a supposed effort by the Trump administration to force Ukraine into capitulation before Russia, a claim Washington denies. EFE
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