Zelenskyy on shortage of missiles for air defense: Where two needed, only one used
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukraine lacks enough missiles for air defense systems. Air defense forces have to save shells, according to a statement from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the 20th annual meeting of the Yalta European Strategy.
"You mentioned that we have four Patriots. I can't say how many, but I would say that it's not enough, though the reality is more positive than the official information," Zelenskyy said.
He noted that air defense systems, including Patriot, NASAMS, and IRIS-T, are operational but "it would be preferable if they had missiles to work with." There is a constant shortage of missiles.
"For example, how our air defense operators work: ideally, two missiles per target are needed, but they, as Ukrainians, might use just one, hoping it might be enough. This is a fact. But in this humor, there is a tragedy because there are not enough missiles. Simply not enough missiles," the President emphasized.
Air defense for Ukraine
Following an increase in Russian shelling, Ukraine appealed to its partners for additional Patriot systems, as these systems are capable of intercepting ballistic missiles.
Germany, the US, Romania, and the Netherlands have promised to supply these systems, while Italy has committed to providing a SAMP-T battery.
However, so far, only one Patriot system from Germany has been delivered to Ukraine, which occurred in early July.
Additionally, Romania recently gifted another Patriot system to Ukraine.
