Western allies are actively negotiating a deal to deliver more Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, aiming to finalize an agreement before the NATO summit set for late June, according to a source familiar with the discussions. Ukraine has been urgently calling for additional Patriots as its need to defend against relentless Russian missile strikes grows more critical. President Volodymyr Zelensky recently told CBS News that Ukraine was prepared to purchase 10 of the U.S.-designed missile systems, which are crucial for intercepting Russian ballistic attacks.

Military analysts from Ukraine’s Defence Express estimate that as of April, Kyiv had seven fully functional Patriot systems. While this represents a significant defensive capability, it still falls short of what Ukraine’s leaders believe is needed to protect major cities and critical infrastructure. The unnamed source indicated that the United States and Greece were among the countries initially considered as potential suppliers for these systems.

Interestingly, two U.S. officials confirmed that this initiative to boost Ukraine’s air defenses was launched under former President Joe Biden and has continued under President Donald Trump, signaling rare bipartisan continuity on foreign policy. However, Greece later backed away from any role in the plan. A Greek government official flatly told Reuters, “There is no question of supplying Ukraine with Patriot systems from Greece,” highlighting the sensitive security concerns Athens faces, particularly given its longstanding tensions with neighboring Turkey, another NATO member.

While Greece has previously sent substantial military aid to Ukraine—including thousands of rockets, armored vehicles, ammunition, and anti-tank weapons—it has drawn a firm line when it comes to high-end air defense systems like the Patriot. This cautious stance reflects Greece’s delicate balancing act in its own regional security environment, where maintaining military readiness vis-à-vis Turkey remains a top priority.

The New York Times reported that Washington plans to dispatch a Patriot battery currently based in Israel to Ukraine after undergoing refurbishment. This transfer underscores Washington’s efforts to coordinate global resources for Kyiv’s defense. Additionally, talks have touched on the possibility of either Germany or Greece contributing another Patriot system, though Greece has now officially ruled out its participation.

Adding a political layer to the military negotiations, Zelensky shared that he had a productive conversation with Donald Trump on the sidelines of Pope Francis' funeral at the Vatican. According to Zelensky, this meeting was the most constructive exchange he’s ever had with Trump, signaling that Ukraine is keen to engage all key international players as it races to bolster its defenses before the crucial NATO gathering.