Key facts
- President Zelenskiy described missile defense production as 'absurdly' low.
- Ukraine has effectively run out of Patriot missiles needed to intercept ballistic projectiles.
- Russia has increased air attacks on Ukraine, with air defenses unable to intercept many ballistic missiles.
- The U.S. reportedly produces only 60-65 anti-ballistic missiles per month.
- Zelenskiy is seeking U.S. licenses for Patriot missile production and urging allies to increase weapons manufacturing.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has criticized the global shortage of missile defense systems, calling it 'absurd' that production cannot meet the demand to protect against Russian ballistic missile attacks. In his nightly video address, Zelenskiy stated that in the modern world, production has not been scaled up to the level required to defend against 'ballistic terror.'
He noted that Ukraine possesses the necessary knowledge to produce these weapons and suggested that obtaining U.S. licenses to manufacture Patriot systems would enable Ukraine's production to be sufficient not only for its own defense but also to assist allies. According to Zelenskiy, the United States produces only 60-65 anti-ballistic missiles per month, a volume he deems insufficient for current security challenges, especially as Russia expands its own missile production.
Zelenskiy reiterated his request to both the previous and current U.S. administrations for licenses to produce Patriot missiles, emphasizing Ukraine's readiness to ramp up production. He pointed out that the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Iran has contributed to a global shortage of anti-ballistic defense systems. Earlier, in late May 2026, Poland received preliminary approval for localized Patriot missile production, while Ukraine has yet to make significant progress on a similar request. The Pentagon had quadrupled its procurement of Patriot missiles in July 2025, allocating over $1.3 billion, though experts cautioned that large-scale production expansion takes time.
Speaking at a Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, Zelenskiy urged Western backers to accelerate air defense deliveries and boost weapons production, highlighting the effectiveness of U.S.-made Patriot systems in deterring Russian missile strikes. He also appealed for countries to purchase weapons directly from Ukraine, citing significant untapped industrial capacity that requires financing, with a noted funding gap of approximately $18 billion for weapons procurement.
Kyiv residents like Diana Bobrovska and Roman Starostyshyn expressed fear and exhaustion due to escalating Russian air attacks, with some considering leaving the city. Recent strikes have killed civilians and damaged residential buildings, with air defenses unable to intercept a significant portion of incoming ballistic missiles.