US to send Patriot missiles to Ukraine every month, Zelensky says ‘not enough’
Kyiv: Ukraine will receive US-made Patriot air-defence interceptor missiles every month under an agreement reached with Washington, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters in Belgrade, Zelensky confirmed the planned monthly deliveries but stressed that the number of interceptors would not be enough to meet Ukraine's air-defence requirements.
He also said Ukraine is expected to receive fewer interceptor missiles in 2026 than it did in 2025, although he did not disclose specific figures.
Ukraine seeks more air-defence missiles
The Patriot system is a key component of Ukraine's air-defence network and is used to intercept incoming missiles and other aerial threats.
Zelensky has repeatedly called on Ukraine's allies to provide additional air-defence systems and interceptor missiles as the war with Russia continues.
He said earlier that the actual delivery of interceptor missiles from allies had declined, partly because of conflicts in the Middle East, which have increased demand for air-defence equipment.
The latest agreement ensures a regular flow of Patriot interceptors from the US, but Zelensky's comments indicate that Kyiv continues to face a significant gap between available supplies and its requirements.
Zelensky visits Serbia
Zelensky made his first visit to Serbia, where he met Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in Belgrade.
The two leaders said their countries would cooperate towards their shared goal of joining the European Union and intended to finalise a mutual free trade agreement by the end of the year.
Serbia also pledged additional humanitarian assistance and support for infrastructure and energy equipment for Ukraine.
Trump says peace deal could be possible
The development comes as diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war continue.
US President Donald Trump said in July that he believed Russia and Ukraine could be moving closer to a peace agreement after speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky. Trump said both leaders wanted to reach a deal, while acknowledging that a settlement might not be imminent.
He also pointed to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as playing a constructive role in efforts to advance the peace process.
For Ukraine, however, the continued need for Patriot interceptors highlights the ongoing military challenges even as diplomatic efforts continue.