Finland’s Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen has accused Washington of politically delaying the transfer to Ukraine of interceptor missiles for Patriot systems, despite European allies having already paid for them in full.
The official said this in an interview with Euronews.
According to Häkkänen, ahead of winter Russia is preparing large-scale attacks on Ukraine’s civilian and energy infrastructure, meaning the Ukrainian army is in critical need of air-defence capabilities right now. Europe and Canada are funding the purchase of US weapons through a special NATO mechanism, but final approval from the US Secretary of War is required to ship the equipment.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also noted that Ukraine has been waiting for almost a month for Pete Hegseth’s signature to authorise the delivery of these missiles.
The problem is compounded by a global shortage of Patriot missiles, as the US produces only 60–65 interceptors a month. US weapons stockpiles have shrunk significantly due to the US and Israel’s war in Iran, as well as strong demand from Gulf countries.
Häkkänen also backed diplomatic efforts to end the war and urged Europe to make it clear to Vladimir Putin that the West will not abandon Ukraine. The Finnish minister warned that Russia is building up its military power across all domains, including nuclear forces, so European countries must strengthen their own defence capabilities.