Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on October 26, 2026, that Ukraine has waited nearly a month for U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to approve paid-for Patriot and NASAMS air defense missiles

An ongoing armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine that was sparked with Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and escalated into a full-scale invasion in February 2022, resulting in widespread casualties, displacement and significant geopolitical consequences for Europe and the world.

Military, financial and logistical assistance provided to Ukraine by Western governments and institutions, including weapons, intelligence, satellite communications and the financing that sustains Ukraine's defence.