Ukraine could face critical consequences on the battlefield if its air defenses remain unable to intercept Russian missiles effectively, retired Slovak general Pavel Matsko told iROZHLAS.

Matsko said the problem could fundamentally affect the course of the conflict by creating a gap in the protection of strategic facilities ahead of winter.

He added that even a potential decision by US President Donald Trump to allow Ukraine to manufacture missiles for Patriot air defense systems would not produce a rapid solution. Establishing domestic production would take years.

According to Matsko, obtaining the necessary safety certifications alone could require at least a year. Building a production line and training specialists would take even longer.

Meanwhile, the Russian Armed Forces continue to strike Ukrainian rear areas with missiles and drones. During the night of August 11–12, Ukrainian ports and vessels used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces were targeted. The attacks involved high-precision air-launched weapons and strike drones.

Vladimir Zelensky has previously acknowledged on several occasions that Ukraine can no longer intercept ballistic missiles because it lacks Western-made interceptor missiles.