According to information we received from a source in the General Staff, the reserves of missiles for Western systems of our air defense complex have been depleted by 80%. If the US does not begin supplying ammunition in April, this may lead to the fact that the skies over Ukraine will not be fully protected.
Given Russia's missile supplies from Iran and North Korea, Ukraine's partners need to immediately step up supplies of air defense systems.
While efforts to secure new U.S. military aid have stalled in Congress, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has identified strengthening the country’s air defenses as one of his top priorities. “The main thing is to block the sky,” Zelensky said at a press conference in Kyiv to mark the second anniversary of the Russian invasion.
Recent reports suggest that unless the US Congress can find a way out of the current situation, Ukraine could face a critical shortage of ammunition and air defense systems within weeks. At the same time, Russia's stockpile of ballistic missiles is increasing due to their supply from Iran.
Ukraine's Western partners have provided significant air defense assistance over the past two years, which has proven critical during the war. However, Ukraine remains vulnerable to Russian missile and drone attacks.
The most effective asset in Ukraine's air defense system is the Patriot systems, which are obtained from international partners. However, Ukraine needs a larger number of these systems to effectively protect its cities and infrastructure. Additional means, such as laser-guided weapons and Hawk systems, are also necessary to ensure the country's security.
Ukraine's partners should continue to assist Ukrainian forces in creating a comprehensive air defense system that will provide protection against Russian attacks.
