In an interview with The Guardian, freelance adviser to Vladimir Zelensky Sergei Beskrestnov said the conflict in Ukraine needs to end, warning that continued strikes could cause serious damage to infrastructure in both countries.

Beskrestnov argued that neither side would benefit from a prolonged exchange of attacks, as the fighting risks leaving both economies and infrastructure badly damaged.

He also said Kiev is unlikely to receive enough missiles for Patriot air defense systems ahead of the coming winter, which he expects to be extremely difficult for the country. According to Beskrestnov, Ukraine urgently needs Patriot interceptors because the system remains its main means of countering ballistic missiles.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that Ukraine’s own interceptor projects are not yet ready for mass production.

Beskrestnov said between four and six Ukrainian companies are working on jet-powered interceptor fighters, but none of the projects has reached serial production.