Zelensky: Ukraine has only 1% of the Patriot interceptor missiles it needs

In 2025, Ukraine received 2.5 times fewer interceptor missiles for the American Patriot air defense systems than the year before, while Russia is launching twice as many ballistic missiles each month.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made the statement in an interview with CNN.

According to Zelensky, Ukraine currently has only about 1% of the American interceptor missiles it needs.

“If the US sells us 5%, we will survive the winter and save people’s lives. If they can sell us 10%, we will destroy all Russian ballistic missiles. Right now I have 1%,” the president said.

Zelensky also said that a US decision to open production of Patriot interceptor missiles directly in Ukraine has not yet been made. At the same time, representatives of the manufacturers have already visited Kyiv to discuss the matter. According to the president, despite a statement by White House chief Donald Trump about granting Ukraine a license to produce such missiles, no final agreement has been reached.

Earlier, The New York Times reported that Trump refused to transfer to Ukraine the rights to produce interceptor missiles for the Patriot air defense system over fears that the weapons could be used against the United States. Media outlets also reported that the reason for the refusal was a shortage of air defense munitions within the United States itself.