Ukraine May Lose Key Military Sites Without Patriot Missiles
The Times says Ukraine faces growing risks without Patriot missiles, as shortages deepen and key military infrastructure comes under threat.
According to The Times, Ukraine could lose key military facilities if it is left without American Patriot air defense systems.
In comments to the newspaper, Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuri Ignat described an acute shortage of air defense assets. He said Kiev’s stock of missiles for Patriot systems is shrinking rapidly, which is why the Ukrainian side is pressing for additional deliveries.
Ignat warned that without those missiles, Ukraine would be left without critical protection, opening the way for Russian forces to strike major infrastructure targets. To illustrate the problem, he showed video on his phone of a Patriot launcher with only two missiles left loaded in eight cells.
A day earlier, Vladimir Zelensky said Ukraine was preparing for a reduction in Patriot missile supplies because of the conflict in the Middle East. He said Kiev is no longer among Washington’s top priorities.
At the same time, Patriot systems remain indispensable for Ukraine, as there is no full alternative to them. In Zelensky’s view, if the war with Iran drags on, missile deliveries will shrink even further.