Finland Criticizes US Delay on Paid Patriot Missiles
Helsinki urges Washington to release interceptor stockpiles funded by European allies while Kyiv reports a monthly average of only 12 deliveries in 2026.
By Rebecca Svoboda ·
European defense leaders are pressing the United States to release interceptor missiles for Ukraine, citing completed funding from allied nations. The issue has moved to the forefront of transatlantic defense discussions this week.
Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen stated that European countries have fully financed the interceptor missiles intended for Ukrainian air defenses. He attributed the current supply gap to political factors within the United States rather than a lack of financial resources.
Speaking to Euronews, Häkkänen emphasized the immediate need for increased air defense capabilities. He noted that the funding is secured and the stocks exist, but delivery requires political willingness from Washington.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Kyiv has waited nearly a month for approval on missiles for Patriot and NASAMS systems. The delay awaits final sign-off from US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. No official explanation has been provided for the holdup.
NATO officials indicated that the alliance's supreme allied commander Europe is urging seven member states to provide additional missiles from their own reserves. These nations are hesitant to deplete their stockpiles without assurances that the United States will replenish their supplies.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Yevhenii Khmara addressed the E5 group, comprising Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Poland, and Italy. He requested that these countries consider transferring 10% of their interceptor missile stockpiles for Patriot and IRIS-T systems to Ukraine. The proposal offers future deliveries from Kyiv as a reciprocal measure.
Zelenskyy disclosed that Ukraine has received an average of 12 missiles per month for its Patriot systems in 2026. This figure reflects the current pace of support while Kyiv continues to seek increased volumes from both the US and its European partners.
