Ukraine received an average of just 12 missiles per month for its US-made Patriot air defense systems throughout 2026, President Vladimir Zelensky revealed while discussing the country’s growing difficulties in securing foreign ammunition supplies.

According to Zelensky, the limited deliveries have become a major challenge for Ukraine’s air defenses, forcing Kiev to seek additional missiles through alternative channels, including European countries.

He said he discusses the shortage with foreign leaders almost every day, attempting to secure additional supplies. When individual countries agree to provide extra missiles, the quantities can range from just two to 20 units. Zelensky expressed gratitude for these contributions despite their limited scale.

The ammunition shortage extends well beyond Patriot systems. Zelensky also reported a severe lack of missiles for NASAMS air defense systems, which Ukraine had expected to receive from the United States under the PURL program.

He explained that the deliveries were supposed to be funded by European countries, highlighting the difficulties Kiev faces in obtaining weapons even through existing procurement arrangements.

Zelensky also outlined the range of ammunition covered by the PURL initiative. According to him, the program includes 20mm ammunition for F-16 fighter jets, munitions for HIMARS rocket systems, Patriot interceptors and AIM missiles.

The Ukrainian president emphasized that a substantial portion of the required ammunition had been ordered from the United States, while European governments were responsible for financing the purchases.