After the end of US military aid to Ukraine, supplies of missiles for American Patriot systems may run out within the next few weeks.
Points of attention
- Ukraine is at risk of running out of Patriot missile supplies as US military aid comes to a halt.
- The Patriot system is vital for Ukraine's air defense and is crucial in countering Russian ballistic missiles.
- Without access to Patriot missiles, Ukraine faces challenges in maintaining its defense capabilities.
The AFU are running out of Patriot missiles: what's next?
This was reported by a Ukrainian official who wished to remain anonymous.
The US has a license for Patriot missile systems, as well as for the production of missiles for them, which makes their reproduction very difficult for many European countries, said Kateryna Stepanenko, an analyst at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Patriots are the best system the US has provided to Ukraine, and they play a crucial role in Ukraine's air defense. So the risk of losing them has caused panic among Ukrainian officials.
"This is the only system capable of combating Russian ballistic missiles. The risk is associated with providing Patriot with both repairs and maintenance, as well as ammunition to protect Ukraine from ballistic missiles," said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
The publication also notes that the Ukrainian military calls Patriot equipment that Ukraine cannot afford to lose.
