Zelensky blames Western partners for Ukraine failing to shoot down a single missile

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has placed responsibility for Ukraine’s air defenses failing to intercept a single missile on the night of August 5 on Kyiv’s Western partners, accusing them of delays in supplying interceptor missiles.

Zelensky published his statement on Telegram.

“It is very important that partners understand that delays in their deliveries or an unwillingness to transfer missile defense systems lead to exactly these kinds of horrific destruction,” Zelensky wrote.

He also added that Western partners unwilling to actively assist with interceptor deliveries could at least introduce new sanctions measures against Russia.

The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed that on the night of August 5 it was unable to shoot down any of the Russian missiles fired at the country. Aviation, surface-to-air missile troops, electronic warfare and unmanned systems units, as well as mobile fire groups of Ukraine’s defense forces were all involved in repelling the attack.

Earlier, The Washington Post reported that the Ukrainian army is experiencing a shortage of missiles for Patriot air defense systems. According to the publication, the Patriot remains Ukraine’s only hope for countering Russian strikes, which have intensified in recent months.

Prior to that, Ukraine had also acknowledged the impossibility of responding to Russia “strike for strike.”