Ukraine is struggling to defend against Russian ballistic missile attacks due to a shortage of Patriot interceptors, The New York Times reported. Production of these missiles by Lockheed Martin is slow, and demand has surged, particularly from Middle Eastern countries.
Ukraine's air defense systems, particularly the Patriot missile system, are experiencing a shortage of interceptor missiles. This scarcity hinders their ability to counter intensified Russian attacks, exacerbated by demand from the Middle East conflict impacting supply rates.
Ukraine has requested dozens of additional Patriot missiles from Germany's Bundeswehr to strengthen its air defenses against Russian strikes. Kiev proposed a future production exchange, and Germany is currently reviewing the request, with a decision potentially announced around the upcoming NATO summit.
Ukrainian President Zelensky praised overnight drone strikes on St. Petersburg as a "just" response to Russian attacks, aiming to negotiate from a position of strength. The strikes coincided with the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Ukraine's President Zelenskyy appealed to Donald Trump for Patriot missiles following a massive Russian missile and drone attack that killed at least 14 and injured dozens. The strikes targeted Kyiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Poltava, and Kharkiv, causing widespread damage and casualties.
The US has used over 1,200 Patriot missiles and more than 1,000 Tomahawk missiles in its conflict with Iran since February 28, depleting American stockpiles to critically low levels. The Patriot missiles alone cost approximately $4 million each, while Tomahawks run $3.6 million per unit. The high consumption has forced the US to withdraw missiles from bases in Asia and Europe. The joint US-Israeli operation struck major Iranian cities including Tehran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other key leaders, while Iran retaliated against Israel and US bases in the Middle East.
