Ukraine has reportedly exhausted its stock of U.S.-made Patriot missiles, which are crucial for intercepting Russian ballistic missile attacks. As Russian airstrikes continue, tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have escalated, raising alarms about Ukraine's security situation.
On October 15, CNN cited sources familiar with the situation, stating that Ukraine's supply of Patriot interceptors has run low. The source noted, "Due to a shortage of interceptors during recent Russian attacks, most ballistic missiles could not be intercepted."
Earlier, from the night of October 13 to the early hours of October 14, Russia targeted three power plants and other energy infrastructure in Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, with ballistic missile strikes. The attacks resulted in four deaths and 25 injuries in Kyiv. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that it intercepted four Russian ballistic missiles during this time. However, CNN indicated that Ukraine may have depleted its remaining Patriot missiles in the process.
In an interview with CNN in August, President Zelensky had already requested U.S. support, stating that only one-tenth of the interceptors needed to defend against Russian ballistic missile attacks remained. He has also sought technology and production licenses to manufacture Patriot interceptors within Ukraine, but it remains unclear whether any agreements have been reached.
The shortage of Ukraine's air defense capabilities is particularly concerning as relations between the U.S. and Ukraine worsen. With midterm elections approaching and rising fuel prices putting pressure on President Trump, he has recently decided to ease sanctions on Russian diesel exports to lower domestic fuel prices and agreed to source diesel from Russia. At the same time, he has pressured Ukraine to accept a so-called "energy ceasefire" to halt attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. However, as Russia continues to target Ukraine's energy facilities, the ceasefire proposal has become effectively meaningless.
President Zelensky expressed feelings of betrayal and disappointment over Trump's actions. In an interview with the Financial Times this week, he declared the end of restrictions on attacks against Russian oil facilities and confirmed that Ukraine resumed airstrikes on Russian oil infrastructure the day before.
Amid these developments, uncertainty surrounding U.S. military and intelligence support is also growing. Reports have emerged that the functionality of SpaceX's Starlink satellite communication service, used by the Ukrainian military for drone operations, and the military satellite communication system Starshield has recently been restricted, prompting backlash from Ukraine. The Ukrainian military claims that this has disrupted information sharing necessary to respond to Russian ballistic missile attacks. The specific scope and background of the satellite communication restrictions and information sharing issues require further verification.
As Russian airstrikes persist, concerns are rising that prolonged tensions with the U.S. could significantly burden Ukraine's air defense capabilities and overall war efforts. The Wall Street Journal has noted that despite Ukraine's efforts to reduce its dependence on U.S. support, the U.S. still plays a crucial role in key areas such as Patriot missile systems, satellite communications, and military intelligence sharing.
In light of this situation, European nations are taking diplomatic steps to expand support for Ukraine while preventing further deterioration of relations with the U.S. The Financial Times reported that European Union leaders plan to ask President Zelensky to tone down his criticism of President Trump.
The United Kingdom is also stepping up its support for Ukraine. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham met with President Zelensky during his visit to London on October 14. Discussions regarding the UK's support for Ukraine have included enhancing air defense capabilities and increasing missile supplies. However, the specifics of Mayor Burnham's title and the details of the support discussions need to be confirmed through original sources.
Meanwhile, President Zelensky is visiting Brussels to attend an EU summit, where he is meeting with key European leaders, including NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, French President Emmanuel Macron, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. This is seen as an effort to secure increased military and financial support from Europe amid deepening conflicts with the U.S. and to fill gaps in air defense capabilities.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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