Ukraine's shortage of Patriot air defence missiles has left it exposed to Russian missile attacks and critical infrastructure damage
Ukraine has run out of missiles for its US-made Patriot air defence systems, leaving it vulnerable to Russian ballistic missile attacks, CNN reported citing a source familiar with the situation.The shortage comes amid mounting pressure on US weapons stocks, tensions between Washington and Kyiv over attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, and uncertainty over continued American military support.According to CNN, Ukraine's shortage of Patriot interceptors left almost all Russian ballistic missiles in the latest overnight attack unintercepted.The strikes hit three power plants in Kyiv and targeted energy infrastructure in Kharkiv, killing four people and injuring 25 in the Ukrainian capital.
The shortage has raised concerns about Ukraine's ability to protect critical infrastructure as Russia continues its attacks on the country's energy network.The interceptors are expensive and in short supply globally, with countries depleting their stockpiles or seeking to replenish their air defence systems amid the ongoing war involving Iran. The shortage has intensified concerns over Washington's ability to meet Ukraine's requirements while addressing its own military needs and those of its allies.
The shortage has coincided with a sharp deterioration in relations between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, following Washington's controversial deal to import Russian diesel and Trump's push for an energy ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv.Zelenskyy has accused Russia of continuing attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure despite Kyiv temporarily halting strikes on Russian oil facilities in response to the proposal.The dispute has extended beyond weapons supplies to US intelligence and satellite communications. Ukrainian officials told CNN they had not received the early-warning alerts about Russian ballistic missile launches that had previously helped authorities warn civilians to seek shelter.Separately, restrictions affecting Starlink connectivity used by Ukrainian military drones disrupted some offensive and defensive operations. Elon Musk said decisions on military-grade Starshield access rest with the US government, highlighting Kyiv's dependence on American-controlled technology.