The Trump administration has yet to authorize transfers of Patriot interceptor missiles from European allies to Ukraine, deepening tensions between Washington and Kyiv.
According to an October 19 Washington Post investigation, several European countries are prepared to supply interceptors from existing stockpiles. However, because the missiles are American-made, the transfers require U.S. approval.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has neither formally rejected the requests nor completed the authorization process, officials told the newspaper.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said some shipments had already been paid for by European partners and were awaiting approval.
The delay comes as Russian forces continue targeting Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that deliveries could be delayed because Washington must evaluate competing military requirements, while rejecting suggestions that the administration was deliberately trying to harm Ukraine.
The dispute has intensified amid disagreements over Ukrainian strikes against Russian energy infrastructure. Trump has urged Kyiv to halt those attacks as global diesel prices remain elevated.
The immediate question is whether the Pentagon will authorize the transfers before Ukraine's interceptor shortages become more severe.
With U.S.-brokered peace talks planned for November, the decision could have consequences beyond the battlefield.