The soaring demand for Patriot missiles, from the Middle East to Ukraine
Ukraine is facing a critical shortage of Patriot missile interceptors as Russia intensifies its ballistic missile attacks. The U.S. is struggling to balance its own defense stockpiles with the urgent needs of allies in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Why it matters
Highlights the strain on global military supply chains and the direct impact of munitions shortages on the war in Ukraine.
KYIV, Ukraine, and WASHINGTON — Russia's massive air assault against Ukraine before dawn on Saturday included 27 ballistic missiles, many pounding the capital Kyiv, killing nine people and wounding more than 30. The attack was larger than most, though Russia carries out airstrikes almost every night.
Europe Overnight Russian barrage kills nine in Kyiv, as air defense struggle with U.S. continues What made this notable was Ukraine's inability to defend itself. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the military shot down just one of those Russian missiles.
"Only one ballistic missile was intercepted, simply because there are no interceptors for the Patriot systems," the Ukrainian leader wrote on social media .
Zelenskyy was referring to the U.S.-made Patriot air defense system that is the country's only reliable way to defend against Russian ballistic missile attacks. Ukraine has been largely helpless in similar Russian onslaughts in recent weeks.
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