US unlikely to sign Patriot missile co-production deal with Ukraine before winter, NATO envoy says

US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker confirmed that Washington is unlikely to finalize a co-production agreement with Ukraine for Patriot air defense interceptor missiles ahead of the coming winter. Speaking on Fox News, Whitaker explained that while this specific long-term missile manufacturing deal will not be reached immediately, the United States, Kyiv, and European partners are actively collaborating on other joint air defense equipment projects.

Ukrainian officials have repeatedly urged Western allies to enhance air defense capabilities and expand localized defense manufacturing to protect energy infrastructure from expected winter attacks. Despite the delay regarding Patriot technology, broader defense cooperation efforts between Washington, European nations, and Kyiv remain underway.

Sources: MIA (Media Information Agency), Sloboden Pečat