Ukraine’s Zelenskyy praises US over $2.1bn Patriot missile deal but warns it could take years

31 October 2026 at 02:18

The Ukrainian president called the US decision strong, but added that delivery of 500 Patriot PAC-3 missiles ⁠could take years

The US has approved the sale ⁠of 500 Patriot PAC-3 missiles ⁠to Ukraine for an estimated $2.1bn, but Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned deliveries could take years and stockpiles were needed now to counter Russian ballistic missile attacks.

“The proposed sale will improve Ukraine’s capability to meet current and future threats by improving its integrated air and missile defense capabilities,” the US state department said in a statement on Friday.

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy praises US over $2.1bn Patriot missile deal but warns it could take years

The Guardian - Europe

By: Guardian staff and agencies

31 October 2026 at 02:18

The Ukrainian president called the US decision strong, but added that delivery of 500 Patriot PAC-3 missiles ⁠could take years

The US has approved the sale ⁠of 500 Patriot PAC-3 missiles ⁠to Ukraine for an estimated $2.1bn, but Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned deliveries could take years and stockpiles were needed now to counter Russian ballistic missile attacks.

“The proposed sale will improve Ukraine’s capability to meet current and future threats by improving its integrated air and missile defense capabilities,” the US state department said in a statement on Friday.

International dock workers strike to protest arms shipments, including to Israel

The Times of Israel

30 October 2026 at 11:54

Gaza flotilla group promises action in support of strike that is expected to cause delays at some 100 ports in dozens of countries; workers also calling for better conditions

International dock workers strike to protest arms shipments, including to Israel

Race to rearm: Telford gun hall brings tank barrel production back to the UK

The Guardian - Europe

By: Jasper Jolly

22 October 2026 at 17:59

Defence secretary says Britain must manufacture at scale as Germany’s Rheinmetall opens Midlands factory

For the last 20 years, Britain was unable to put a barrel on its tanks without buying from abroad. Relying on foreign allies seemed like a reasonable choice during years of relative security (for wealthy countries at least) after the end of the cold war.

But Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has changed the calculation – and prompted a scramble to rearm among European countries, including the UK.

Reading view