Ukraine’s Deadly Missile Defense Shortage
Kyiv has run out of Patriot interceptors, but allies remain reluctant to supply more.
Ukraine is grappling with a severe shortage of missile defense systems, which was evident in a deadly attack on Kyiv on Wednesday. Russian forces launched a barrage of missiles and drones, killing at least 17 people and injuring around 44 others. Despite Ukrainian air defenses intercepting 90 percent of the 115 incoming drones, they were unable to neutralize a single one of the 24 ballistic missiles or four cruise missiles.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed frustration, stating that ballistic missile interceptors could have saved lives and emphasized the need for partners to understand the consequences of delays in supplying these critical anti-ballistic systems. The US has stopped providing Patriot missiles to Ukraine since February due to its own war efforts, and the stock of US Patriots has dropped by 65 percent.
Zelensky has been seeking new suppliers, including NATO chief Mark Rutte and British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting. However, progress may be too late, as European countries have been slow to fast-track interceptor production and prioritize their own defense needs. Meanwhile, Iran and Oman are reportedly close to reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, with Iran expressing interest in working with Qatar to resolve the issue.
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