US approves proposed $2.1 billion sale of 500 Patriot interceptors to Ukraine

The US approved a proposed sale of 500 PAC-3 MSE interceptors to Ukraine for $2.1 billion. The State Department said allied donations and EU loan financing would cover the purchase without US funds. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had complained that Kyiv waited nearly a month for a US sign-off. The BBC reports that the missiles are expected to be newly built, making rapid delivery unlikely.