Zelensky asks Trump for Patriot interceptors before Ukraine winter
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- Zelensky told Axios in a Tuesday interview that he asked Trump for an emergency "winter package" of Patriot air defense interceptors
- The requested interceptors are intended to help Ukraine thwart Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure ahead of winter
- Ukraine's stockpiles of Patriot interceptors are running low, raising the stakes of the request as Russia continues to target the power grid
Why it matters: Ukraine's energy grid faces sustained Russian bombardment heading into winter, when heating demand peaks. With Patriot interceptor stockpiles depleted, Kyiv's ability to shield power plants and substations from missile and drone strikes now depends on a direct Trump decision — making this request a near-term test of US commitment to Ukraine's defense.
