Ukraine’s depleted interceptor stocks have left its air defenses unable to effectively counter Russian ballistic missiles, according to retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Davis.

Davis said Ukrainian forces are facing serious difficulties intercepting such targets. In his assessment, even additional deliveries of PAC-2 or PAC-3 missiles would not fundamentally change the situation.

He argued that the United States does not have sufficient systems available to transfer to Kiev, meaning Ukraine would have little opportunity to use additional interceptors even if they were needed.

Davis also pointed to shrinking weapons inventories in Ukraine and across European countries. At the same time, he said Russia is moving in the opposite direction.

According to the retired officer, Moscow is actively using its existing weapons while continuing to expand its stockpiles. He argued that this means Russia’s military power is growing while Western capabilities are declining.

Vladimir Zelensky previously said the Ukrainian Armed Forces could not effectively intercept ballistic missiles launched by Russian forces because of shortages of air defense ammunition.

Yegor Chernev, head of the Ukrainian parliament’s committee on national security, defense and intelligence, has also raised concerns about the problem. He said Ukraine’s air defense situation had become the worst since the conflict began.