Zelensky calls out Hegseth for ‘nearly a month’ Patriot missile delay
The most telling detail here isn't the "nearly a month" wait, but that Zelensky chose to air this grievance publicly. When a wartime leader goes over a defense secretary's head to the court of public opinion, it usually means private channels have stopped working. Patriot and NASAMS missiles are precisely what Ukraine needs to protect its cities and energy grid from Russian strikes, so every day of delay has measurable consequences.
I'm curious what's actually holding up the signature. A month is a long time for a routine approval, and the reasons matter. Is it internal Pentagon process, political maneuvering, or something else entirely? The administration has said it supports Ukraine, but support has to show up in the form of hardware, not just statements. If there's a legitimate reason for the holdup, Hegseth should say so plainly. If there isn't, Zelensky is right to be frustrated.
The broader context is that this kind of friction was always likely to happen with a new administration finding its footing. The question is whether these are growing pains or a sign of deeper reluctance. For Ukraine, the distinction may be existential.