After deadly Kyiv strike, Ukraine warns interceptor shortage is costing lives

Ukraine's air defenses were unable to intercept any ballistic missiles during Russia's latest massive aerial assault, which killed 21 people and injured dozens more. The attack saw Russia launch 115 drones and 24 ballistic missiles, with most drones being shot down but none of the missiles intercepted.

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Ballistic missile interceptors could have saved the lives of those killed today.

President Volodymyr Zelensky directly linked the country's depleted air defense capabilities, specifically a shortage of interceptor missiles, to the "horrific casualties and destruction" witnessed across Ukraine. He emphasized that "every single day, the lives of people here in Ukraine depend on the decisiveness of our partners in Europe and America." Zelensky has discussed the urgent need for interceptor missiles with NATO chief Mark Rutte.

The latest barrage destroyed storage and logistics facilities, including warehouses and a postal sorting center. Near Kyiv, at the Kvitneva railway station, eight people were killed. The rapid clear-up and repair efforts at the station, including restoring power lines, highlight the resilience Ukrainians have developed in response to frequent bombardments.

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Quite literally every single day, the lives of people here in Ukraine depend on the decisiveness of our partners in Europe and America.

Military experts liken Ukraine's situation to possessing advanced defense systems, such as the Patriot, without the crucial interceptor missiles. "Imagine you own a Lamborghini but have no fuel," said Ukrainian military expert Ivan Stupak. "You have one of the best cars in the world, but you can't drive anywhere... The situation with Patriot is similar. The systems are there, but there are no interceptor missiles."

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You have one of the best cars in the world, but you can't drive anywhere... The situation with Patriot is similar. The systems are there, but there are no interceptor missiles.