Trump administration clears $2.1 billion Patriot missile sale to Ukraine

The Trump administration formally approved a proposed $2.1 billion sale of Patriot air defense interceptors to Ukraine on Friday.

The State Department stated that 500 Patriot missiles are being purchased for Ukraine through a U.S. program. The purchase was funded entirely by donations from Canada, Germany, and Norway, with no American funds involved.

The approval follows accusations from Kyiv that the Pentagon delayed delivery of the munitions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned this month that the country had nearly run out of the specific missiles required to stop Russian ballistic missile attacks.

Zelensky claimed the delays occurred while tensions between his government and the Trump administration escalated. He also alleged that U.S. intelligence warnings regarding incoming Russian attacks had been interrupted and that Starlink satellite internet service speeds had been reduced.

The State Department released a statement saying the sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives. The department noted that the transaction improves the security of a partner country that contributes to political and economic stability in Europe.

Ukrainian officials said that Starlink speeds and the flow of intelligence data have since been restored to their previous levels.