Zelensky: U.S. decisions to delay arms deliveries to Ukraine are “difficult to explain”

China News Service, October 20. According to Reuters, Ukrainian President Zelensky said during a meeting with the U.S. congressional delegation on the 19th that the decisions made by the United States on the Russia-Ukraine war, including delaying weapons deliveries and restricting intelligence sharing, were "difficult to explain."

Zelensky said that Ukraine has not yet received a full explanation of the restrictions on the use of the Star Shield system. Ukraine needs the system to carry out some drone strikes and defend against Russian attacks, especially against high-speed jet drones.

Zelensky said in a video posted on social media that Ukraine had failed to receive the usual advance warning of attacks from partners three times in the past week.

"We also know that, regrettably, the Pentagon is delaying the delivery of missiles," Zelensky said. He said the missiles had already been paid for by partners through related programs. As far as he knows, a batch of missiles are still waiting for release by U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth.

"All these signs point to some kind of political decision being made to slow support for us," he said.

Zelensky also said that if Washington provides Ukraine with "Patriot" anti-missile system interceptors, Ukraine is willing to suspend attacks on Russian oil refineries for 30 days as requested by US President Trump.

He also expressed the hope that the Ukrainian delegation can meet with U.S. President Trump's special envoy Witkov and son-in-law Kushner in Norway in the next few days.