Key facts
- Ukraine's air defense systems failed to intercept any of the 29 Russian ballistic missiles launched on July 6.
- The shortage of interceptors, particularly for U.S.-made Patriot systems, leaves Ukraine vulnerable to ballistic and hypersonic missiles.
- At least 22 civilians were killed and dozens injured in the attack on Kyiv and surrounding areas.
- Ukraine's Air Force reported success against cruise missiles and drones but not against ballistic and Zircon missiles.
- President Zelenskyy urged Western allies to provide stronger air defense support.
Ukraine's air defense systems failed to intercept any of the 29 Russian ballistic missiles launched on July 6, with officials citing critically low interceptor supplies. The shortage of U.S.-made Patriot PAC-3 interceptors leaves Kyiv particularly vulnerable to Russia's fastest and most deadly munitions. Military expert Serhii Beskrestnov warned that if this continues, Russia will destroy all of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. The attack, which also included six 3M22 Zircon missiles, 39 cruise missiles, and 351 drones, killed at least 22 civilians and injured dozens. While Ukrainian air defenses were successful against the slower cruise missiles and drones, they were powerless against the ballistic and Zircon missiles due to the lack of interceptors. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the insufficient supply of interceptor missiles as the reason for the failure and implored Western allies to demonstrate strength and provide necessary air defense support. Colonel Yurii Ihnat noted that Russia is aware of the global shortage of PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptor missiles and is increasingly focusing on ballistic strikes. Ukraine is attempting to develop its own anti-ballistic missile system, but it is months away from initial operating capability, leaving the country highly vulnerable.