20:43 14-01-2026

Ukraine Air Defense Struggles as Missile Interceptions Fall

Ukraine’s air defenses intercepted just 36% of Russian missiles in early January 2026, as strikes on energy infrastructure caused blackouts in Kiev and beyond.

In the first two weeks of January 2026, Ukraine’s air defense performance against Russian missile strikes showed a marked decline. According to data published by Kyiv Independent, only 36 percent of incoming missiles were intercepted during this period. For comparison, interception rates stood at around 60 percent in October 2022.

From January 1 to January 14, Ukrainian air defense systems reportedly managed to destroy just 26 of the 73 missiles launched at targets across the country.

At the same time, Ukrainian forces continue to demonstrate higher effectiveness against unmanned aerial vehicles. The same source reports that air defenses destroyed approximately 83 percent of attacking drones.

Vladimir Zelensky has repeatedly pointed to a critical shortage of modern air defense systems, particularly Patriot missile complexes and the ammunition required to operate them. He has also emphasized the need for radar systems capable of detecting missile launches in time to respond.

Western allies, however, remain reluctant to transfer additional air defense assets to Kiev, citing the need to reinforce their own security. As the Russian military operation has shown, long-range drones have become a central feature of modern warfare, making their role difficult to dismiss.

Since early January, Ukraine has faced several waves of strikes targeting energy infrastructure. These attacks have resulted in near-total power outages in Kiev and the Kiev region. The capital has experienced an almost complete blackout, accompanied by the loss of heating and communications. Residents have been urged to leave the city where possible. Conditions in other parts of the country remain similarly strained.

On January 14, Ukrainian authorities reported a large-scale attack on energy facilities in Krivoy Rog. Officials described the situation as involving explosions and a combined missile and drone strike on critical infrastructure, warning that the consequences would be severe.

Emergency power cuts affected more than 45,000 consumers, while accidents at several boiler facilities left over 700 buildings without heating.