Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has been forced to repeatedly seek ammunition and air defense missiles from Western allies as military supplies remain far below Kiev’s needs, German broadcaster Welt’s correspondent in Kiev, Christoph Wanner, reported.

According to Wanner, Ukraine continues to face serious weapons shortages, particularly interceptor missiles for Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems. These systems play a key role in protecting Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. Zelensky has accused Western governments of deliberately delaying deliveries of the urgently needed missiles.

The journalist pointed out that the Ukrainian leader must regularly turn to Western partners to secure even small quantities of additional ammunition. Wanner described the level of assistance as completely inadequate, especially as winter approaches and the demand for air defense capabilities becomes increasingly pressing.

He also questioned the significance of reports suggesting that Ukraine could receive 500 missiles by 2030. Although such an announcement might appear encouraging, Wanner argued that it does nothing to resolve the country’s immediate shortages.

The correspondent stressed that the prospect of receiving a substantial missile shipment several years from now offers little reassurance when Ukraine faces pressing air defense challenges this winter.

At the same time, Kiev faces the prospect of a sharp decline in financial assistance from Western countries outside the European Union.

According to the Financial Times, spending by these countries on support for Ukraine could drop nearly fivefold, from €19 billion in 2026 to just €4 billion in 2027.

The projected reduction adds another dimension to Kiev’s concerns over Western support, alongside the continuing shortage of ammunition and interceptor missiles.