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Ukraine has nearly exhausted its stockpile of PAC-3 interceptor missiles for Patriot missile system batteries, while some European countries have declined to transfer their own supplies over concerns about weakening national defenses, according to The Washington Post, citing diplomats and officials.
Sources say Kyiv now has only a limited number of PAC-3 interceptors, which are being distributed “in very small quantities” across the country. These missiles are critical for intercepting ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and other complex aerial threats.
The administration of Donald Trump had previously urged several European allies to provide part of their Patriot stockpiles to Ukraine. However, some governments refused.
“Some partners rejected the request out of concern that it would weaken their own defenses,” the report said.
One of the key reasons behind supply constraints is the ongoing U.S. military engagement in the Middle East, particularly involving Israel and Iran. According to sources, the U.S. military is rapidly consuming precision-guided munitions in the region, affecting availability for allies.
European diplomats fear that shrinking U.S. stockpiles could delay not only their own orders but also deliveries to Ukraine.
The issue also affects the NATO-backed PURL program, designed to allow European countries to fund purchases of U.S. weapons for Ukraine. Through this mechanism, Kyiv has been receiving Patriot missiles, air defense systems, and critical ammunition.
However, concerns about transparency have emerged. Some European capitals are reportedly hesitant to allocate additional funds, fearing that part of the money is being used by the Pentagon to replenish U.S. stockpiles rather than directly support Ukraine.
The Pentagon previously informed Congress of plans to allocate $750 million from the program toward replenishing American arsenals, which has caused frustration among European partners expecting funds to go exclusively to Ukraine.
A Pentagon official confirmed that several allies have sought assurances that their contributions to the program are not being diverted to support U.S. operations in the Middle East. While not denying that some funds were used to restock U.S. reserves, the official described ongoing discussions with NATO allies as “an encouragement for Europe to expand its own industrial capacity.”
