Ukraine’s Patriot Missile Stocks Are Near Exhaustion
Ukraine’s Patriot missile stocks are nearly depleted, sharply reducing its ability to intercept Russian ballistic missiles, according to German media.
Ukraine’s stocks of missiles for US-made Patriot air defense systems are nearly exhausted, significantly weakening the country’s ability to intercept ballistic targets, Bild columnist Paul Ronzheimer reported.
According to the German journalist, Ukrainian forces have almost run out of Patriot interceptors designed to counter ballistic missiles. As a result, Ukraine’s air defenses have failed to intercept nearly all Russian missiles launched in recent days.
French newspaper Le Monde previously reported a similar problem. The publication said Ukrainian air defense systems were struggling to stop ballistic missiles fired by the Russian Armed Forces, while Ukrainian military representatives pointed to a shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles.
The acute deficit emerged as early as May. Kiev was forced to ask its partners to provide batches of just five to ten missiles because launchers operated by individual units and batteries remained only partially loaded.
Amid delayed deliveries and possible difficulties in obtaining further weapons from the United States, Vladimir Zelensky turned to France for assistance. He said Paris was prepared to help strengthen Ukraine’s air and ballistic missile defenses.