President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Ukraine has effectively run out of interceptor missiles for its U.S.-made Patriot air-defence systems after a major overnight Russian attack, with only one ballistic missile intercepted. At least nine people were killed and more than 30 wounded in Kyiv, and emergency crews continue to tackle multiple fires. Zelensky said Russia fired 35 missiles (27 ballistic) and launched about 185 attack drones, striking Kyiv and several regions, and urged partners to deliver interceptors immediately.
Zelensky Says Ukraine Has Run Out Of Patriot Interceptors After Major Overnight Strike
FILE PHOTO - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky waits to greet Taoiseach Micheal Martin at the Presidential Palace in Kiev. (is associated with: «Zelensky sounds alarm after only one ballistic missile intercepted») Niall Carson/PA Wire/dpa
President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Ukraine has effectively exhausted interceptor missiles for its U.S.-made Patriot air-defence systems after a large overnight Russian assault, saying only one ballistic missile was intercepted.
Casualties and Damage
Ukrainian authorities reported at least nine people killed and more than 30 wounded in Kyiv. Emergency crews remain at the scene, fighting multiple fires across the capital and surrounding areas. Zelensky said 18 residential buildings, a school, the Lithuanian embassy and various infrastructure facilities were damaged; he emphasized the strikes hit "ordinary residential buildings."
Scope of the Attack
Zelensky said Russia launched 35 missiles overnight, including 27 ballistic missiles, and deployed about 185 attack drones of various types. Kyiv was the principal target, and the Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Kharkiv and Poltava regions were also struck.
Air-Defence Shortfall
Only one ballistic missile was intercepted because, Zelensky said, Ukraine had no interceptor missiles left for its U.S.-made Patriot batteries. Ballistic missiles are especially difficult to stop in flight because of their high speeds, and Patriot systems are widely regarded as among the most effective defences against such threats.
"It is critical that partners hear that these capabilities are needed not somewhere in stockpiles for hypothetical scenarios, but here and now, to contain and stop the Russian war in Ukraine. Every package of ballistic missile interceptors saves the lives of our people. And every night without them results in more casualties," Zelensky wrote.
Zelensky thanked partners working to strengthen Ukraine's defences and issued an urgent appeal for immediate deliveries of interceptor missiles, saying timely supplies could prevent further casualties.
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