Severe Shortage of Air Defense Missiles, Zelensky Publicly Calls Out: Has Ukraine Lost Its Missile Interception Capability?

[Global Times correspondent in Russia, Xiao Xinxin] According to a report by the British "Guardian" on the 6th, due to Ukraine's failure to intercept any missiles during Russia's attack on the night of the 4th to the early morning of the 5th, Ukrainian President Zelensky urged allies on the 5th to increase supplies of "Patriot" air defense system interceptors. He stated on social media after a call with NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg that Ukraine is coordinating actions with countries that have the necessary missiles and assistance capabilities, emphasizing the importance of "eliminating all bureaucracy and making necessary political decisions." Stoltenberg stated on the 5th that he is discussing with allies how to continue providing Ukraine with the "urgently needed air defense systems."

According to reports from the Ukrainian Air Force, the Russian military launched 24 ballistic missiles, 4 "Zircon" hypersonic missiles, and "Caliber" cruise missiles into Ukraine from the evening of the 4th to the early morning of the 5th. However, Ukraine's air defense systems failed to intercept any missiles, only shooting down 98 of the 115 drones launched by the Russian military. According to the "Guardian," Zelensky stated on the 5th that the number of air defense missiles provided by partners this year has "significantly decreased," with supplies in the first half of the year dropping to one-third of the same period last year. He also mentioned that as winter approaches, Russia is planning to significantly increase the production of ballistic missiles, expecting to strike Ukrainian energy facilities again at that time.

Reports indicate that in recent weeks, the issue of severe shortages of Ukrainian air defense missiles has become increasingly prominent. Russia has been launching intense bombings on Kyiv every three days on average since July. Zelensky also stated on the 5th that the main reason for the shortage of air defense missiles is the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving the United States. He does not rule out the possibility that Western allies are delaying missile supplies to force Ukraine to "make compromises" in peace negotiations with Russia. An analysis by the Associated Press estimates that since the outbreak of the conflict with Iran, the U.S. stockpile of "Patriot" interceptors has decreased by at least 65%.

According to the Ukrainian news agency, Ukrainian President's defense technology development advisor Beskrestnov stated on the 5th that Russia has the capability to launch 100 ballistic missiles at Ukraine each month, indiscriminately attacking Ukrainian logistics hubs, enterprises, and various warehouses. "The war of attrition has entered a new phase." The Ukrainian "Kyiv Independent" reported on the 5th that Russian missile attacks and the shortage of Ukrainian air defense missiles are exacerbating the difficulties faced by Ukraine. Ukraine also hopes to develop its own air defense systems to reduce dependence on foreign supplies. The Ukrainian defense company "Rising Point" is advancing the development of the "Freyja" missile defense system. The company's CEO, Terekhov, stated on the 4th that the first successful test of "Freyja" is expected to be achieved by mid-2027, and 13 European industrial partners have already joined the project.

The British "Financial Times" reported on the 5th, citing sources, that U.S. President Trump refused to provide Ukraine with hundreds of "Patriot" interceptors during a meeting with Zelensky last week. Reuters reported on the 5th, citing sources, that despite Trump's reservations, the U.S. is still continuing negotiations for the authorized production of "Patriot" interceptors with Ukraine, exploring options that include manufacturing components of the interceptors in Ukraine and then transporting them to Germany for final assembly.

Additionally, according to RIA Novosti, Russian President Putin held a meeting with the leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defense at the Kremlin on the 5th and announced personnel adjustments within the Russian defense system. The U.S. "Wall Street Journal" reported on the 6th that this move by Russia aims to "break the stalemate on the battlefield." Putin stated on the 5th that Russia is continuously improving the organizational structure of the Ministry of Defense based on the needs and experiences of the special military operation. Based on the recommendations of the Russian Defense Minister, it was decided to centralize the management of all logistics departments, as logistics work is also a "combat task" under the current circumstances. Reports indicate that Putin appointed Solodchuk as the Deputy Minister of Defense to oversee logistics, appointed Ivanayev as the commander of the "Central" military group, and Bolgarev as the commander of the "Eastern" military group, and appointed Liyamin, who previously served as the chief of staff of the "Central" military group, as the commander of the newly established unmanned systems forces of the Russian military.

The Russian "Vedomosti" quoted sources as saying that this personnel adjustment within the Russian defense system is based on Defense Minister Shoigu's inspection of the front lines in July and may aim to promote the Russian military's further achievement of complete control over the Donbas region and other operational objectives. The "Russian Newspaper" reported on the 5th that this adjustment aims to enhance the modernization level of technical support and logistics for Russian frontline troops, including weapons and equipment. The Russian "View" reported on the 6th that this adjustment also reflects the Russian military's emphasis on drone warfare, which will improve the operational technology and capabilities of the Russian military's unmanned systems forces.

Reuters reported on the 5th that drones have become an important dominant force on the Russo-Ukrainian battlefield, with both sides deploying drones along a front line of 1,200 kilometers and using them to strike each other's maritime and deep inland targets. In July, the Ukrainian military also established a special command responsible for long-range strike operations against Russia.

The "Wall Street Journal" reported that this personnel adjustment within the Russian defense system aims to reactivate its "stagnant" offensive operations on the front lines. The Russian military has made the "least progress" since the outbreak of the conflict this summer, while the Ukrainian military has launched counterattacks in other areas along the front line. The report pointed out that although the situation on the front lines has not changed much in recent months, both Russia and Ukraine are concentrating their forces on long-range strikes against each other's rear targets.