Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed for 5% to 10% of the US Patriot interceptor missile stockpile to defend against intensified Russian ballistic missile attacks this winter. He said securing 5% would help Ukraine get through winter and save lives, while 10% would allow Ukraine to destroy all Russian ballistic missiles targeting its territory [1, 2].
Currently, Ukraine holds about 1% of the total US Patriot missile stockpile, down from the previous year. Zelensky noted the country has 2.5 times fewer interceptors than in 2025, while Russia has doubled its ballistic missile launches per month compared to before [1, 2].
Russian forces have stepped up weekly mass barrages of ballistic missiles targeting Kyiv, causing civilian casualties and property damage. In a recent attack, Ukrainian forces failed to intercept any of 28 missiles launched [1, 3].
The Ukrainian air force announced on August 12 that it will cease publishing detailed figures on Russian ballistic missile strikes, including missiles launched or downed. Yuriy Ignat, Ukraine's air force communications chief, said the change will restrict reports on missile targeting and interception but maintain real-time warnings and general data on missile launches [1].
Ukraine faces an acute shortage of Patriot interceptors after US and Israeli commitments to the conflict in Iran diverted supplies earlier this year [1, 2]. Zelensky said he is engaged in intensive efforts and negotiations, some confidential but legal, to acquire more Patriot missiles from American partners [1, 2].
On August 13, Russian forces struck the Izmail port in southern Odesa, causing a fire and infrastructure damage [3].
Ukraine’s urgent request for a significant share of the US Patriot stockpile marks a critical step in its efforts to blunt Russia's growing missile campaign. The air force’s move to limit public strike data takes effect immediately as Kyiv braces for continued missile barrages.
