U.S. fast tracks air defense interceptor missiles to Ukraine ahead of other countries

The U.S. is moving Ukraine to the top of the list to receive air defense interceptors to defend its cities against the onslaught of Russian missile attacks. The policy decision applies to interceptors the Patriot and other air defense systems use to shoot down incoming missiles and drones. 

"We're going to reprioritize the deliveries of these exports, so that those missiles rolling off the production line will now be provided to Ukraine," White House National Security Communications adviser John Kirby told reporters on Thursday. "This will ensure that we'll be able to provide Ukraine with the missiles they need to maintain their stockpiles at a key moment in the war." 

The first shipments of the missiles to Ukraine will happen over the coming weeks, according to Kirby, and Ukraine will see the initial deliveries before the end of the summer. He called the reprioritization a "difficult but necessary decision."