WASHINGTON, Ukraine has appealed for the urgent delivery of additional Patriot PAC-3 air defense missiles, warning that stronger defenses are essential to protect the country from intensifying Russian ballistic missile attacks ahead of the coming winter.
Speaking in Washington on Thursday, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States Olha Stefanishyna said Kyiv remains hopeful that renewed diplomatic efforts could lead to a ceasefire before winter, but stressed that immediate military assistance is equally critical.
‘We Need the Missiles’
Stefanishyna said Ukraine is capable of countering most drone attacks but continues to face serious challenges in intercepting ballistic missiles.
“The devastating effect of every overnight attack right now is unbelievable,” she said, noting that recent Russian assaults have involved between 30 and 40 ballistic missiles in a single night.
She emphasized that Ukraine urgently requires additional Patriot interceptors to protect civilians and critical infrastructure.
Talks on Missile Production
The ambassador revealed that Ukraine is in discussions with the US Department of Defense regarding a license to manufacture Patriot PAC-3 missiles domestically.
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However, she acknowledged that establishing local production could take anywhere from one to five years.
Kyiv is also exploring a long-term procurement arrangement that would allow Ukraine to purchase Patriot missiles while potentially exchanging production slots with another international buyer to accelerate deliveries.
According to Stefanishyna, representatives from Raytheon have already visited Ukraine, while Lockheed Martin is preparing to send technical experts to support discussions on future cooperation.
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Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Stefanishyna said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed additional air defense assistance during his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House.
She added that renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict may include a visit to Kyiv by US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, possibly as early as next week, although no official date has been confirmed.
According to the ambassador, Ukraine has reiterated its proposal to suspend fighting along the current front lines as the basis for future peace negotiations.
Resignation Offer Confirmed
Stefanishyna also confirmed reports that she had offered to resign as Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States.
She said the decision was motivated by her desire to return to Ukraine and personally respond to corruption allegations related to her financial disclosure documents.
The ambassador stated that President Zelenskyy had neither requested nor supported her resignation but that she believed returning home would allow her to defend her reputation more effectively.
