Ukraine's envoy to the US said the country faces 30 to 40 ballistic missile strikes each night, causing devastating damage while lacking effective missile defenses. Ukraine urgently needs Patriot PAC-3 anti-ballistic missiles to protect against these assaults, especially before winter arrives [1, 2, 3].
Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s ambassador to the US, described the severity of the attacks: "The devastating effect of every overnight attack right now is unbelievable. Last night and the night before, it was 30 to 40 ballistic missiles." She added, "He has an intention to destroy Ukraine, and that's why, you know, we're looking for different capabilities... but so far, for this winter, we need the missiles" [1].
Ukraine currently can counter Iranian- and Russian-made drones but lacks defenses against ballistic missiles, while Russia has increased missile production under President Vladimir Putin [1, 2, 3].
Talks are ongoing between Ukraine and the US Department of Defense about obtaining a license to manufacture PAC-3 missiles on Ukrainian soil, a process estimated to take between 12 months and 5 years [1, 2, 3]. Discussions also include a long-term purchase contract and arrangements to swap production positions with other buyers to speed delivery [1, 2, 3].
Representatives from Raytheon, the manufacturer of the Patriot system, have visited Ukraine. Lockheed Martin, maker of the PAC-3 interceptors, is preparing to send experts to assist [1, 2, 3].
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on July 28 to press for new air defenses and restart diplomatic efforts to end the five-year war [1, 2, 3]. Zelenskiy has offered to halt fighting along current battle lines to begin ceasefire negotiations [1, 2, 3].
A potential visit by US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Kyiv is being considered as early as the week after July 30 to support the dialogue, though no date is set [1, 2, 3].
In the meantime, Ukraine’s ambassador Stefanishyna has announced she will return to Ukraine to defend herself after offering to resign amid corruption allegations [1].
