US clears 500 Patriot interceptors for Ukraine, but Zelenskiy says deliveries may take years

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced plans to negotiate with international partners to secure an emergency loan of 10 to 30 air defense missiles from their stockpiles, with Kyiv guaranteeing reimbursement from the newly approved US purchase of 500 Patriot interceptors. Zelensky explained that swapping queue positions with partners would bypass multi-year production delays and provide immediate protection ahead of winter, noting that US deliveries are deferred and American air defense packages have largely been prioritized for the Middle East.