World · Europe · 3 hrs ago
Zelenskyy says US delays vital supplies as Russian strikes hit Ukraine
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the US is delaying vital military supplies, including air-defence weapons.
Ukrainian officials say a significant batch of Patriot missiles, funded by Ukraine’s allies, is awaiting approval from US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Patriot missiles help Ukraine intercept Russian ballistic missiles, which are difficult to stop.
The claim comes as Russia strikes Ukrainian cities and energy sites, damaging more than 10 energy facilities and cutting power to over half a million households.
Three people were killed in the attacks, officials said.
Ukraine also depends on US intelligence for missile warnings, but Zelenskyy said there was no advance warning of the first ballistic missile strike; US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied that Washington had paused intelligence sharing.
Zelenskyy said he would seek support from other partners and review preparations for winter, while the status of the missile approvals remains unclear.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the United States was delaying vital supplies, including air-defence equipment.
Ukrainian officials told the Kyiv Independent that a significant batch of Patriot interceptor missiles was awaiting approval from US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The claims came as Russian overnight attacks damaged more than 10 energy sites and cut power to more than half a million households, according to The National.
Ukraine said it had received no advance warning from its partners before the first ballistic missile attack.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied that Washington had paused some intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
- Who
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukrainian officials say US delays are holding up supplies. The Kyiv Independent reported that Pete Hegseth had yet to approve a batch of Patriot missiles.
- What
- Ukraine says vital supplies, including Patriot interceptors, are delayed. The claims came amid Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
- When
- Zelenskyy made the claims on Oct. 19, 2026. The Russian attacks took place overnight beforehand.
- Where
- Ukraine, including Kyiv and its surrounding region, and other areas across the country.
- Why
- Ukrainian officials suspect the supplies are being withheld as political pressure, but the sources do not establish the reason for the delay.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Russia launched ballistic missiles and drones across Ukraine, damaging energy sites and other infrastructure.
Zelenskyy said vital supplies were delayed and ordered his senior team to contact partners who could strengthen Ukraine’s defence.
Ukrainian officials told the Kyiv Independent that a significant batch of Patriot interceptors was awaiting approval from US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied that Washington had paused some intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
- Energy sites damaged
- More than 10
- Households without power
- More than half a million
- Ballistic missiles fired at Kyiv and surrounding region
- 16
- Drones launched across Ukraine
- More than 200
- Patriot interceptors delivered monthly
- 12, according to Zelenskyy
4 sources
Ukraine's Zelenskiy says US decisions on Ukraine hard to explain
Zelenskyy claims delivery of vital war supplies for Ukraine delayed by US
'It's significant': Ukraine fears US is withholding allied-funded air defense supplies to pressure Kyiv
What people are saying
Another Russian ballistic missile attack came in several waves overnight and, once again, there was no early warning from our partners
Speed matters when it comes to protecting lives.
Hegseth has the contracts for Patriot missiles on his desk. He is not signing off on them.
It's significant.