U.S. redirects interceptor missile deliveries to Ukraine

The U.S. has made the “difficult but necessary” decision to prioritize the delivery of certain air-defense missiles to Ukraine, meaning other countries expecting shipments must wait, the White House said Thursday.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Patriot and NASAMS, or surface-to-air missiles, “rolling off the production line will be provided to Ukraine.”

He said countries in the queue for near-term foreign military sales will still get their orders.

“It’s just that the delivery time lines will now take a little longer,” Mr. Kirby said. “We’ll do the best we can to minimize their delay as best as possible.”

The Biden administration is taking this step because Russia has accelerated its drone and missile attacks against cities and civilian infrastructure.

Mr. Kirby described the impacted nations as “broadly understanding” of the decision.

“They know how serious the need is in Ukraine,” he said. He didn’t identify the affected nations but noted Israel isn’t among them.

Mr. Kirby said the battlefront has Kyiv in “desperate need” of air defense.

“We take our partnership seriously, especially when a partner like Ukraine is in such jeopardy right now,” he said. “Obviously, more is needed and it’s needed now.”

The White House couldn’t say how long other countries will have to wait but described the Ukraine deliveries as a 16-month project.

The U.S. has given Ukraine over $100 billion for its war effort, though Russia seized momentum in recent months.

Some Republicans say the administration has been slow to commit major weapons systems, letting Moscow gain an advantage at critical junctures.

President Biden blamed the battlefield shift on House Republicans for their reluctance to authorize more funding. He apologized to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a recent overseas meeting.

“The broader message here to Russia is clear,” Mr. Kirby said. “If you think you’re going to be able to outlast Ukraine and if you think you’re going to be able to outlast those of us who are supporting Ukraine, you’re flat-out wrong.”