Zelensky Asks U.S. for More Patriot Systems: 'We Will Destroy All of Russia's Ballistic Missiles'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that his country possesses only a tenth of the interceptor missiles urgently required to counter Russia's escalating ballistic missile attacks. In an interview with CNN, Zelensky appealed to the United States for additional Patriot missile defense systems.

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This year, we have two and a half times fewer interceptors than we had in 2025. Russia launches twice as many ballistic missiles monthly as it did before.

Zelensky explained that Ukraine is in constant negotiations with allies to secure more Patriot interceptors. He asserted that if the U.S. were to provide just 10% of its current reserves, the Ukrainian military could successfully intercept all ballistic missiles launched by Russia. "This year, we have two and a half times fewer interceptors than we had in 2025. Russia launches twice as many ballistic missiles monthly as it did before," Zelensky stated.

The Ukrainian leader described the air defense situation as one of the most significant challenges faced since the war began. "If the U.S. sold us 5%, we would get through the winter well and save human lives. If they could sell us 10%, we would destroy all the Russians' ballistic missiles. I have 1%," Zelensky said, emphasizing the dire need.

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If the U.S. sold us 5%, we would get through the winter well and save human lives. If they could sell us 10%, we would destroy all the Russians' ballistic missiles. I have 1%.

He noted that Russian ballistic missile attacks have intensified rapidly in recent weeks, with Kyiv being among the most affected cities. According to United Nations data, July was the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since April 2022. "There are attacks every night, and four or five times a month, we have massive attacks... terrible nights. Truly very brave and resilient people. But they are tired," the president added.

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There are attacks every night, and four or five times a month, we have massive attacks... terrible nights. Truly very brave and resilient people. But they are tired.

Zelensky also shared details about his efforts to procure more interceptor missiles, describing negotiations with allies as a constant part of his routine. "This is what I live with every day: from 1% to 5%. It's months and millions of phone calls... I'm trying to make exchanges to get missiles... I'm doing things I can't even talk about. That doesn't mean they are illegal. But I cannot discuss them," he stated. He also mentioned plans for manufacturing Patriot interceptor missiles within Ukraine, noting that former U.S. President Trump had approved a license for this purpose.

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This is what I live with every day: from 1% to 5%. It's months and millions of phone calls... I'm trying to make exchanges to get missiles... I'm doing things I can't even talk about. That doesn't mean they are illegal. But I cannot discuss them.