Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky decried the global shortage of interceptor missiles as "absurd" on Monday, following a deadly Russian barrage that killed at least eight people in Kyiv.
Zelensky stated that insufficient production of air defense systems, particularly US-made Patriot missiles, is hindering Ukraine's ability to protect its citizens from ballistic missile attacks. "It is simply absurd that, in the modern world, production has still not been scaled up to the level actually required to protect people from ballistic terror," Zelensky said in his nightly address.
During the overnight attack, Russia launched multiple waves of drones and missiles. Ukrainian forces reported intercepting all six Kalibr missiles and 31 out of 33 cruise missiles. Zelensky highlighted these successes, attributing the remaining issues to a lack of interceptor missiles. "Whenever the necessary capabilities are available, our warriors deliver truly high interception rates. That is the only explanation for the problem with ballistic missiles – insufficient number of interceptors," he posted on social media.
To address the deficit, Zelensky reiterated his proposal for Ukraine to be granted licenses to produce Patriot missiles domestically. "If Ukraine were granted US licenses to produce Patriots, our own production would be sufficient both to protect Ukraine and to help partners in need," he claimed.
Ukraine is actively seeking air defense missiles from international partners, which Zelensky identified as the nation's top priority. He warned that Russia would continue to target residential buildings across Ukraine as long as the shortages persist.
Monday's assault, which involved 68 missiles and 351 drones, is part of an intensified bombardment campaign by Russia. This follows another significant attack last week that killed at least 31 people in Kyiv.
Zelensky previously emphasized the critical role of interceptor missiles in thwarting Russian ballistic missile attacks, calling for increased manufacturing.
