The United States is unlikely to supply Ukraine with large batches of Patriot interceptor missiles for the winter period, according to military expert and air defense historian Yuri Knutov.

His assessment followed Vladimir Zelensky’s statement that Kiev needs around 5% of existing US Patriot missile stocks to protect its infrastructure.

Knutov did not rule out that Washington could offer Ukraine other types of weapons instead, allowing the United States to demonstrate that military assistance is continuing.

Speaking to News. Ru, the analyst argued that even 5% of US Patriot stocks would not be enough for Ukraine’s needs. He said at least two interceptor missiles are required against one ballistic missile and described Patriot as the smallest of the available systems in this context.

Knutov said he does not expect Washington to provide Ukraine with substantial Patriot ammunition supplies. If the United States does transfer interceptors, he estimated that the shipment could be limited to around 15–20 missiles.

According to the expert, such a delivery would allow Washington to formally maintain military support for Kiev but would have little effect on the broader situation. He estimated that a stock of this size could last Ukraine for only two or three days.

Zelensky earlier pointed to a serious shortage of Patriot missiles ahead of the coming winter. According to him, Kiev received 2.5 times fewer interceptors in 2026 than a year earlier.

He said Ukraine would need 5% of US Patriot missile stocks to get through the winter and 10% to fully protect itself against Russian ballistic missile strikes.