Brief
Zelensky says US delaying paid missile interceptors as Trump urges new negotiator
Zelensky alleges Pentagon delays on interceptor shipments while Trump suggests a different Ukrainian negotiator.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told U.S. senators on Monday that the Pentagon is withholding delivery of missile interceptors already paid for by European allies, pending Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s signature. He said the missiles are ready and could already be in Ukraine, but lack approval.
President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters at the G7 summit, said it might be time for Ukraine to appoint another negotiator, adding that Zelensky "doesn't know what he's talking about." Trump made the comment while defending a diesel supply deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelensky also noted that several European countries are prepared to transfer Patriot interceptors from their own stockpiles, but are waiting for U.S. authorisation. He added that Ukraine received no early warning before recent Russian missile strikes that hit energy facilities, leaving over 500,000 people without power and killing six people, including three children, near Kharkiv.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied that Washington had withdrawn intelligence sharing with Kyiv, and Trump affirmed that the United States continues to share intelligence with Ukraine. Ukraine’s foreign minister Andriy Sybiga warned that a possible meeting between Trump, Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping could "only encourage Putin to continue this war."
Key facts
- Zelensky says the Pentagon is delaying delivery of paid missile interceptors awaiting Pete Hegseth’s signature. (news18.com)
- Trump suggested Ukraine should consider a new negotiator and said Zelensky doesn’t know what he’s talking about. (news18.com)
- Six people, including three children, were killed in a Russian strike near Kharkiv, and over 500,000 lost power. (news18.com)
- Marco Rubio denied any U.S. withdrawal of intelligence sharing with Ukraine. (news18.com)
Sources
- [1] news18.com — originally reported as “Zelenskyy Says US Holding Up Missile Interceptor Delivery; Trump Calls For New Ukraine Negotiator”
