Ukraine is receiving one-third as many Patriot missiles: Zelensky suggested political pressure from partners

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, suggested that the reduction in supplies of anti-ballistic missiles may be related not only to the fighting in the Middle East, but also to a political desire to make Ukraine more accommodating in negotiations with Russia. He said this during a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council on August 5, 2026.

According to the head of state, since the beginning of 2026 Ukraine has been receiving approximately three times fewer anti-ballistic missiles than in 2025. This primarily concerns interceptors for Patriot air defense systems.

Partners, foremost among them the United States of America, officially cited the fighting in the Middle East as the reason for reduced deliveries. European countries have also decreased missile transfers, although in previous years they supplied Ukraine with interceptors for Patriot and other air defense systems.

Commenting on possible reasons for the reduction in supplies, President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that political considerations may have influenced partners’ decisions.

“I do not know whether there are other reasons besides the Middle East. Maybe these are political moves to make Ukraine more ‘compliant’. In my view, that is not without influence… Today we are facing a shortage.”

The President noted that the number of anti-ballistic missiles Ukraine receives has been decreasing month by month. As a result, the country is now experiencing a shortage of means necessary to defend against Russian ballistic strikes.

According to Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs must do everything possible to get partners to increase supplies of anti-ballistic missiles.

At the same time, the head of state called the development of the domestic air defense system the right course. He emphasized that this direction is important both for protecting the country now and for its security after the war ends.

A separate topic of the NSDC meeting was the implementation of resilience plans for regions and communities. The President reported that some cities and regions are behind schedule and need to catch up. Personal responsibility is envisaged for the fulfillment of the specified tasks.

The President stressed that winter cannot be postponed, nor can the work to strengthen the state’s internal resilience. One of the tasks whose fulfillment depends directly on the Ukrainian authorities, he named, is the protection of the power grid, gas and water supply systems, and other critical infrastructure facilities.

Earlier we wrote:

• 24 ballistic missiles overnight: the shortage of anti-ballistic defenses again cost Ukraine lives
• A ballistic interceptor for €1 million instead of the very expensive Patriot missiles: how ready is FREYJA?
• No missiles for the Patriot: while partners delay, Russia strikes ports and residential buildings
• Supplies depleted: Zelensky asks Trump for 300 Patriot interceptors before winter
• Zelensky convinced Washington that Kyiv can win the war