Ukraine needs 5% of US Patriot missiles to counter Russian attacks, Zelensky says

President Volodymyr Zelensky is urging the United States to supply Ukraine with at least 5% of its Patriot interceptor missiles to bolster defenses against escalating Russian ballistic missile attacks. In an interview, Zelensky stated that Ukraine currently receives only 1% of the necessary interceptors and that an additional 5% from U.S. stocks could help Ukraine survive the winter and save lives.

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This year, I ask our American partners to sell us 5% of the missiles (interceptors) they have in stock. If they sell us 5%, we will get through the winter and save lives.

Russia has recently increased its use of ballistic missiles, striking Kyiv weekly and causing civilian deaths and significant damage to buildings. During an August 5th attack, Ukraine failed to intercept any of the 28 Russian ballistic missiles launched. Zelensky highlighted a critical shortage of interceptors this year, noting that Ukraine has two and a half times fewer than in 2025, while Russia's monthly ballistic missile launches have doubled.

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If they can sell us 10%, we will destroy all Russian ballistic missiles.

"If they can sell us 10%, we will destroy all Russian ballistic missiles," Zelensky asserted, emphasizing the dire need for more interceptor missiles. Ukraine's air force announced it would cease publicizing detailed figures on Russian ballistic missile strikes, a move that comes as Russia intensifies its attacks with weapons Ukraine finds increasingly difficult to intercept.

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This year, (Ukraine) has two and a half times fewer interceptors than in 2025, while Russia has twice as many ballistic missiles each month as before.