DeLauro Statement on Reports of Secretary Hegseth Delaying Defensive Interceptor Missile Transfers to Ukraine

WASHINGTON – Earlier today, it was reported by the Washington Post that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is holding up the transfer of U.S.-made Patriot interceptor missiles from European countries to Ukraine. The missiles are a crucial component of Ukraine's air defenses, protecting civilians from Russian missile strikes. The interceptors were already sold to European allies under agreements that require U.S. approval before they can be transferred to Ukraine.

House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) issued the following statement:

“Once again, by its neglect, the Trump administration is weakening Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian aggression. The administration is putting civilians at risk from Russian strikes which are only increasing in intensity. Slow-walking the approval of these transfers is putting countless civilians directly in harm’s way. 

“These are defensive missiles which intercept incoming Russian ordnance before they have a chance to demolish apartment buildings, schools, hospitals, or critical infrastructure in Ukraine. Withholding these transfers does nothing to de-escalate the conflict. It only encourages the aggressor to amplify its aggression. More innocent civilians will die if the Trump administration continues to hold up this aid.

“Secretary Hegseth must facilitate the swift transfer of these defensive munitions at once. As winter approaches and these Russian missiles take out Ukraine’s electric grid that provides heat to families, the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine will only worsen. And if the Trump administration continues on its current path, countless innocent lives will be lost. This is unconscionable.”

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