The Patriot missile system is the most effective weapon available to counter fast-moving Russian ballistic and cruise missiles. Ukraine has long emphasized its urgent need for more interceptors as Russia escalates attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this week that Ukraine had been waiting nearly a month for the U.S. to approve critical missile supplies.

Zelensky called the U.S. decision a “strong one” but warned that the delivery of the missiles could take “several years.” He noted that the U.S. delayed the decision for nearly a month, during which time Russia launched more than 30 strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Zelensky said Ukraine needs the systems “right now” as Russia intensifies attacks ahead of winter.

The approval comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine. President Donald Trump announced a diesel deal with Russia and criticized Zelensky for continuing attacks on Russian oil refineries. Trump has also called for Zelensky to be replaced to facilitate a peace deal with Russia. The U.S. has also used Patriot missiles in its operations in Iran, contributing to global shortages.

The 500 missiles are to be newly manufactured, not drawn from existing U.S. stockpiles, and are not expected to be delivered until a couple of years into the 2030s. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence is reportedly pushing for earlier delivery by using existing U.S. missiles and backfilling with new ones. The U.S. Army awarded a $58.6 billion contract to Lockheed Martin in July to increase production capacity. Current output is limited to about 600 units per year, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

Canada has pledged €500 million to the EU’s Ukraine Support Loan, helping bridge Kyiv’s budget shortfall. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Canada’s contribution sent a “strong message of solidarity” to Ukraine. Germany and Norway are also contributing via the JUMPSTART program, which channels international donations to fund weapons and training for Ukraine.