Ukraine has only few Patriot missiles left – WP
Ukraine has run out of nearly all of its interceptor missiles for the Patriot air defense systems, leaving the population vulnerable to further Russian attacks.
Про це пише The Washington Post, інформує Цензор.НЕТ.
Details
"As of October 7, there were only 10 missiles left. They were used in attacks. Now there are only a few left," a Ukrainian official said.
"The situation is extremely tense," added another official.
The publication notes that Patriot missile stocks have declined the most due to intensive use both in Ukraine and in the Middle East.
In just the first month of the war with Iran, the United States used more than 1,000 Patriot and THAAD missiles to protect its troops.
"A single Patriot battery costs about $1 billion, including the launcher and ground-based radars, and the price of a single missile can exceed $4 million. The intensity of both conflicts has led to a critical reduction in U.S. and global stockpiles of these missiles.
"During the war with Iran, the U.S. redeployed Patriot systems from the Pacific region to bolster air defense in the Middle East and also postponed upcoming deliveries promised to allies due to depleted stockpiles," the article states.
"Since May, deliveries have been irregular, and right now no one can say with certainty or guarantee that the next shipment will actually arrive," said the Ukrainian official.
What led up to this?
- Zelenskyy had previously reported that Ukraine received three times fewer air defense missiles from its partners this year compared to 2025, with the official reason cited as the hostilities in the Middle East.
- The Financial Times reported that Trump refused to provide 300 Patriot missiles in order to preserve U.S. stockpiles amid the war against Iran. According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine needs 100–120 Patriot missiles each month this winter.
