‘600-630 of most potent type weapon’: Zelenskyy’s warning on Russian missile arsenal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia possesses a stockpile of 600 to 630 high-speed ballistic missiles, among its most potent weapons, with the intention of increasing production to over 100 per month ahead of winter. This comes as Ukraine faces shortages of air-defense interceptors necessary to counter such attacks and is requesting more Patriot missiles to bolster its defenses.

According to state-owned Ukrainian media outlet Ukrinform, Zelenskyy stated that Russia's annual production capacity for these missiles could potentially reach up to 1,300 ballistic missiles per year, highlighting the severity of the threat Ukraine might face should Russia embark on another winter campaign of strikes.

The president emphasized that while Ukraine's fighter jets and IRIS-T and Hawk air defense systems have improved their ability to intercept Russian cruise missiles, ballistic missiles remain a significant challenge. He expressed a commitment to work towards reducing the number of these ballistic missiles, acknowledging the urgent need for additional air-defense systems and interceptor missiles from Western allies amidst ongoing Russian attacks targeting critical infrastructure and other sites.

France has agreed to provide at least one SAMP/T air-defense system, while Germany is expected to supply around 600 PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptors between 2027 and 2028. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy had sought 300 Patriot missiles for the winter package, with his Air Force requiring 360, though global production capacity for these interceptors remains limited. French President Emmanuel Macron has indicated that France will enhance its military support for Ukraine, including through the provision of interceptor missiles.

As Ukraine prepares for the possibility of intensified Russian attacks during the winter months, particularly targeting energy infrastructure, Zelenskyy also warned of a potential increase in Russian manpower. He suggested that Moscow may mobilize an additional 300,000 soldiers after Russia's parliamentary elections in September, as reported by The Guardian.