Ukraine is facing a critical shortage of interceptor missiles for its Patriot air-defense systems, leaving it more vulnerable to Russian attacks. According to a CNN report citing a source involved in the details, the interceptor stockpile has been depleted. The same source claimed that nearly all the ballistic missiles in the most recent Russian attack went unintercepted because of the shortage.
The report comes as Russia has stepped up strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. For Kyiv, the concern is not only further damage to power stations but also the impact on electricity and heating supplies during the winter months.
Were these the last interceptors?
According to the report, the Ukrainian air force announced it had intercepted four ballistic missiles in an attack between Tuesday and Wednesday. CNN assessed that the defense may have used the last remaining Patriot interceptors, though there is no official confirmation that the stockpile has been fully exhausted.
The shortage is not new. President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously warned of the gap between the number of interceptors Ukraine receives and its defense needs. Now, with energy systems once again in the crosshairs, the shortage takes on particular urgency.
Pressure on Washington — and aid from London
In the background, tensions with the American administration over Ukrainian strikes on oil facilities inside Russia. According to reports, Washington has warned of a possible suspension of European-funded purchases of American weapons, a move that could further complicate the replenishment of interceptor stocks.
Meanwhile, a Bloomberg report reveals that Britain is sending Ukraine additional Storm Shadow cruise missiles, without disclosing the number. These are intended to help strike Russian targets deep inside the country, but they are not a substitute for the missing interceptors: while the Patriot is designed to defend against airborne threats, the cruise missiles give Kyiv offensive capability.
Zelensky continues to call on his allies to accelerate deliveries. In a public appeal this week, he specifically requested additional packages of Patriot interceptors, as the approaching winter narrows Ukraine's margin for waiting.
