Winter is coming: Ukraine reveals its critical need for Patriot missiles
Andrii Sybiha (photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine needs at least 300 interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems this winter, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said while speaking to reporters.
He explained that Ukraine's calculations are based on the capabilities Russia has acquired, is developing, and currently possesses.
According to Sybiha, Russia can produce an average of 120 to 140 ballistic missiles per month. He added that, according to Ukrainian intelligence estimates, Russia has 600 missiles in storage.
"Unfortunately, they are increasing their capabilities. And based on that scale, on this arithmetic, our calculation is the minimum number of interceptors — we need 300 for this winter period," the minister said.
Reuters previously reported that the US did not include missiles for Patriot air defense systems in its new military aid package for Ukraine.
At the same time, the administration of US President Donald Trump plans to use all $400 million previously approved by Congress to support Ukraine.
In addition, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently said during a meeting with representatives of the Ukrainian community in the US that an agreement had been reached on a new package of missiles for Patriot systems.
Zelenskyy previously said that Ukraine is collecting a hundred missiles, one or two at a time, directly from national leaders. The president stressed that the US is the only country that could provide assistance on a large scale.
