Ukraine presses for Patriot missiles before winter attacks intensify

Ukraine is pushing for more Patriot PAC-3 missiles as it tries to blunt escalating Russian ballistic attacks before winter, Ambassador Olha Stefanishyna said in Washington. She said Ukraine is discussing with the Pentagon a license to produce PAC-3 interceptors domestically, though that could take from 12 months to five years. Another option under discussion is a long-term purchase agreement that would let Ukraine swap places in the production line with another buyer. Stefanishyna said Raytheon officials had already visited Ukraine and Lockheed Martin was working to send experts. She also said Kyiv hopes renewed ceasefire diplomacy could freeze fighting along current front lines, with possible visits by U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.