Zelensky: 5% of US interceptor stockpile would get Ukraine through winter, 10% would stop all Russian ballistic missiles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a CNN interview that Ukraine is receiving roughly two and a half times fewer interceptor missiles this year compared to 2025, even as Russia has doubled the number of ballistic missiles it fires each month.

Call for the US to sell missiles

Speaking likely about US missile stockpiles, Zelensky said that if Washington sold Ukraine 5% of its interceptors, the country could get through the winter and save lives, while 10% would allow Ukraine to destroy all of Russia's ballistic missiles. He said he currently has access to just 1%.

The president described his daily reality as a constant struggle within the range of 1% to 5%, saying he spends months making countless phone calls and trying to trade for missiles. He added that he takes actions he cannot publicly disclose, though he stressed these are not illegal.

Role of Patriot systems

Patriot missile systems remain critical to Ukraine's air defense as Russia continues regular strikes across the country. Zelensky has repeatedly urged allies to supply additional missiles, and in early August he said Ukraine had run out of interceptors for its Patriot systems.

US President Donald Trump, responding to Zelensky's requests for more Patriot missiles, has said the United States needs them for its own defense.