Key facts
- Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reported a significant drop in air defence missile supplies from allies.
- Deliveries in 2026 are reportedly one-third of 2025 levels.
- Ukrainian air defences failed to intercept all 24 ballistic missiles and four Zircon cruise missiles in a recent attack.
- Russia has reportedly deployed North Korean missiles, with a unit moving to western Russia.
- Ukraine is seeking a license to produce Patriot missiles and advocating for a pan-European anti-ballistic system.
Ukraine is facing a critical shortage of air defence missiles, with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stating that allied deliveries in 2026 have fallen to one-third of 2025 levels. This comes as Russia escalates its missile strikes on Kyiv and southern port cities. In a recent attack, Ukrainian air defences reportedly failed to intercept any of the 24 ballistic missiles and four Zircon cruise missiles launched by Moscow.
Zelenskiy highlighted that the shortage is not limited to a specific period, applying to the first half of 2026. An adviser to the president estimates Russia's capability to launch approximately 100 ballistic missiles monthly, targeting logistical hubs and industrial facilities. Russia has also reportedly increased its use of North Korean missiles, with a unit deploying to western Russia, potentially equipped with 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers.
Military analysts suggest that targeting Russian missile launchers could be a countermeasure, but Ukraine currently lacks the capability for such strikes. Kyiv is actively pressing its allies to develop a pan-European anti-ballistic system and has sought a license from the U.S. to produce Patriot missiles domestically.