Defense Intelligence names four steps to protect Ukraine from Russian ballistic missiles
Photo: Vadym Skibitskyi, Defense Intelligence representative (Getty Images)
Ukraine understands the problem and threat posed by Russian ballistic missiles, so it is working with partners to prevent Russia from gaining an advantage, states Vadym Skibitskyi, a representative of the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, during the YES Annual Meeting 2026 conference organized by the Viktor Pinchuk Foundation.
"Here are a few figures for you: this September, according to the plans of the Russian Federation, Russia's defense industry is expected to produce at least 100 ballistic missiles, including Iskander systems and S-400 missiles used as ballistic missiles," the Defense Intelligence representative said.
According to Skibitskyi, Ukraine's response to this challenge consists of four steps:
- Interceptors. Ukraine clearly understands the need for interceptors, including PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems, and knows how many Patriot systems its partners can provide.
- Disrupting production. Carrying out deep strikes on Russian territory to destroy and disrupt the production of such missiles. The Defense Intelligence knows all the enterprises, factories, and companies in Russia involved in ballistic missile production.
- Striking launchers. Russia's main intention today is to strike Kyiv and the Kyiv region. Every day, 17 to 19 launchers are deployed in the Kursk and Voronezh regions and other areas bordering Ukraine. These launch positions and launch areas near Ukraine's borders need to be destroyed.
- International sanctions. Sanctions are indeed working, especially regarding modern Western-made navigation systems and electronic components supplied from many countries around the world, not only China. Sanctions need to be strengthened to cut off supplies of these critical components.
Ballistic terror against Ukraine
Kyiv and other Ukrainian settlements within the range of ballistic missiles are suffering from Russian terror. In summer and autumn, Russian forces have been actively attacking Kyiv with ballistic missiles, destroying warehouses, businesses, and other infrastructure.
As the Defense Intelligence has stated, Russia's defense industry is currently working on ballistic missiles that will be able to reach western regions of Ukraine. The first launches may take place by the end of the year.
Against this backdrop, Ukraine is asking its partners to help with missiles for Patriot systems, as only they can intercept ballistic missiles. Recently, the EU agreed to purchase a batch of Patriot missiles using a €90 billion loan.
According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine needs at least 100–120 Patriot missiles every month to intercept Russian ballistic missiles.
