Ukraine depletes US Patriot interceptor missiles amid Trump sanctions relief - report

Trump's move to waive sanctions on Russia and tariffs on its goods days before they were to take effect will embolden Moscow to keep attacking Ukraine, Zelensky said on Saturday.

Ukrainian service members walk next to a launcher of a Patriot air defence system, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in an undisclosed location, Ukraine August 4, 2024.

(photo credit: REUTERS/VALENTYN OGIRENKO)

OCTOBER 18, 2026 02:41

Ukraine has depleted its supply of missiles for the US-made Patriot air defense system, a source familiar with the situation told CNN on Thursday.

This development comes amid a series of public jabs between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.

Trump's decision to waive sanctions on Russia and tariffs on its goods days before they were to take effect will embolden Moscow to keep attacking Ukraine, Zelensky said on Saturday, predicting even more US sanctions relief.

"The decision to undo all of this, to block all of it, seems wrong to me," Zelensky wrote on X. "It definitely helps only the Russians."

An executive order issued by Trump on Friday night waived key Russia-related US sanctions and tariffs, including duties on the country's goods and penalties for buying its oil and gas, that were scheduled to take effect next week under the Graham Act, which he signed into law last month.

Trump said the waiver was in the national interests of the United States.

The law is meant to increase pressure on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine that began in 2022. Trump, however, has been warming toward Moscow while publicly criticizing Zelensky, including suggesting Kyiv needs a new leader.

Zelensky hopes for meeting with US and Russia during G20 summit

Ukraine, the United States and Russia could meet during a G20 summit in the US, but Washington and Moscow have not confirmed the meeting and other venues are also possible, Zelensky said on Saturday.

The Group of 20 major economies, which includes the US and Russia but not Ukraine, is due to hold a summit in Miami in December.

"The meeting could then take place in the United States during the G20 summit. But there has been no confirmation yet from either Russia or the United States. It could also be held in a European country," Zelensky told reporters in a WhatsApp media chat.

Ukraine says unable to use interceptors due to Starlink limits, in touch with US

This comes as Starlink disruptions are being felt on the front lines of the war in Ukraine.

Ukraine cannot use its interceptor systems against Russian drone attacks because of speed restrictions imposed on Starlink, Zelensky said on Saturday, adding that Kyiv was discussing the issue with US officials.

Zelensky told reporters in a WhatsApp media chat that Ukrainian officials had been told the restrictions were linked to technical issues.

He said Ukraine had tested Starlink on European Union territory and encountered no such problems there, with the system operating at higher speeds.