Ukraine’s growing air defense problems could significantly alter the situation on the battlefield if its forces remain unable to intercept Russian missiles, retired Slovak General Pavel Macko told iROZHLAS.

The risks could become particularly acute ahead of winter, he said, as serious gaps may emerge in the protection of strategically important facilities.

Ukraine is also unlikely to solve the shortage quickly by producing missiles for Patriot air defense systems on its own. Macko said that even if US President Donald Trump allows Kiev to manufacture the munitions under license, setting up production would take several years.

Obtaining the required safety certificates alone would require at least a year, according to the retired general. Ukraine would then need additional time to establish production lines and train personnel.

Earlier, US geopolitical analyst Patrick Henningsen said the Ukrainian Armed Forces were facing collapse and suggested that the Kiev government could follow. In his assessment, the previous image of Ukraine’s military strength has already been shattered, with a political crisis potentially coming next. Henningsen said such a development was no longer far off and expected it to unfold in the remaining part of Ukraine.