Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for the United States to issue licences that would allow Ukraine to produce Patriot interceptor missiles, linking the request to the need to strengthen air-defence capacity amid Russia’s intensified missile and drone attacks.

In comments reported from an interview with Face the Nation, Zelenskyy said Ukraine has asked Washington to authorize licensed production, arguing that U.S. output—around 60–65 anti-ballistic missiles per month—does not match the current level of threat. He said Russia is increasing its own ballistic-missile production and that this imbalance could create risks not only for Ukraine but also for other regions relying on similar interceptors.

Zelenskyy framed the licence request as part of broader efforts to maintain and expand air defences until a more complete European anti-ballistic system is developed. He also argued that greater Patriot-related production capacity in Ukraine could support additional U.S. partners, including in the Middle East.

The president’s comments came as Russia continued missile and drone strikes, with Ukraine seeking additional air-defence systems and more interceptor supply from allies.