An envoy says Ukraine could be in a position to build Patriot air-defense systems within about a year, but that longer-term goal does little to answer the country’s immediate need for protection. With Russian strikes continuing, the argument is that Kyiv still needs outside military help now to defend its cities and civilians.
The warning comes as supporters of Ukraine say Russia is intensifying attacks on civilian targets while struggling to make broader progress and facing pressure on its own oil sector. In that view, stronger air defenses remain one of the most urgent requirements as the war enters another period of heavy strain.
The issue was part of discussions in Washington, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was seen at the U.S. Capitol with Senators Richard Blumenthal and Jim Risch. Their appearance underscored continuing attention in Congress to Ukraine’s battlefield needs and to the balance between immediate support and longer-term defense production.
If Ukraine can eventually produce Patriot capability at home, that would mark a significant step toward greater self-reliance. But the central message from the envoy is that such a timeline still leaves a dangerous gap, and that gap can only be covered with help from partners in the near term.
