Leonid Ivlev Blames Ukraine’s Patriot Missile Shortage on Poor Use

Russian State Duma deputy and reserve Major General Leonid Ivlev has explained what he sees as the reason behind Ukraine’s severe shortage of missiles for Patriot air defense systems. In his view, the problem stems from the insufficiently professional use of the systems by Ukrainian forces.

Western media had earlier reported that Ukraine’s stock of Patriot interceptor missiles was nearly exhausted. Ukrainian forces have also reportedly stopped using the systems against ballistic missiles launched by Russian forces, while one Patriot launcher has not fired for about six weeks.

Ivlev argued that missiles supplied to Ukraine by the United States, Germany and the Netherlands were consumed inefficiently. As an example, he said Ukrainian forces could fire as many as five missiles at a Russian aircraft within two minutes and still fail to hit it because of the aircraft’s onboard defensive systems and pilot maneuvering.

The lawmaker also linked supply problems to the heavy use of Patriot ammunition by the United States and its allies during military operations in the Middle East. He pointed to another factor as well: several countries are seeking to replenish their own missile stocks and strengthen their national air defense systems.

Ivlev added that, in his assessment, new weapons deliveries to Ukraine and further attempts to increase military pressure on Russia would not change the current pace of the advance by Russian forces in the special military operation zone.