CNN: Ukraine has run out of missiles for its Patriot air defense systems
Ukraine has used up its missiles for U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems, CNN reports, citing a source familiar with the situation. In the latest Russian ballistic missile attack, Ukrainian forces intercepted almost nothing.
Ukraine has run out of interceptor missiles for its U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems, U.S. broadcaster CNN reported, citing a source familiar with the situation. The report comes as Russia continues to hit Ukrainian energy infrastructure and Kyiv braces for an expected rise in attacks this winter.
According to the source, Ukrainian forces intercepted almost none of the missiles in the Russian ballistic missile attack overnight into October 14 because interceptors were lacking. The strikes hit three power plants in Kyiv, as well as energy infrastructure in Kharkiv.
Months of warnings about shortages
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned for months that the shortage of Patriot missiles undermines the country's ability to defend itself, especially ahead of the anticipated increase in attacks on energy infrastructure this winter. In August, he said he was making "millions" of phone calls to secure supplies and that Ukraine had only a tenth of the interceptor stockpile it needed.
Strikes on Russian refineries
On October 15, Zelensky said Ukraine would resume strikes on Russian oil refineries. He said Moscow had kept up its attacks during the three days Kyiv held off at the request of the United States. He also suggested he could soften his position in exchange for additional Patriot missiles.
