Zelensky seeks US approval for Patriot missiles to be produced in Ukraine

Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the United States to decide on granting a license that would pave the way for Ukraine to produce the American Patriot air defense systems.

The Ukrainian president’s appeal came immediately after the latest wave of Russian air attacks, which overnight targeted the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. For months, Zelensky has been seeking the green light from Washington on this issue, stressing that strengthening air defense remains the country’s top priority.

“It is especially important that our agreements with the United States on the production of anti-ballistic missiles move into the implementation phase. We are relying heavily on the decision of the United States on Patriot licenses and other forms of cooperation. This is what can stop the war and similar attacks,” Zelensky said.

In the war with Russia, Ukraine has received Patriot systems, which are regarded as the only ones in its arsenal capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. However, Kyiv is aiming to secure the ability to produce them within its own territory as well. Last month, US President Donald Trump signaled that his administration would “consider” the possibility of Ukraine producing the Patriot missiles itself.