Kyiv has run out of missiles for its Patriot air defense systems, CNN reports

Ukraine has reportedly run out of missiles for its Patriot air defense systems, according to a CNN report. A source familiar with the situation told CNN that Ukrainian forces intercepted only a small number of missiles during a recent ballistic missile attack on October 14. The source claimed the lack of interceptor missiles prevented Ukrainian forces from intercepting most of the incoming Russian missiles.

Russian ballistic missiles struck three power plants in Kyiv and damaged energy infrastructure in Kharkiv during the attack. President Volodymyr Zelensky has been raising concerns about the shortage of Patriot missiles for months, as it hampers Ukraine's defensive capabilities, especially as attacks on energy infrastructure are expected to rise during the winter.

In August, Zelensky said he had made "millions" of phone calls to secure supplies, and Ukraine was left with only a tenth of the interceptor stockpile required. On October 15, Zelensky announced that Ukraine would resume strikes on Russian oil refineries following Moscow's continued attacks, even as Kyiv halted its offensive in response to the United States' request.

Zelensky hinted that he might be willing to compromise on this issue in exchange for additional Patriot missiles.