Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appealed to Washington to release a fraction of its Patriot interceptor arsenal, arguing that just 5% of the stockpile would allow Ukraine to survive the winter and protect civilian lives. In an interview with CNN, the Ukrainian president stressed the urgency of the request as Russian missile barrages continue to overwhelm the country's air defences.
"If they sell us 5% we will go through the winter and save people's lives. If they can sell us 10%, we will destroy all the Russians' ballistic missiles," Zelenskyy said. He noted that Kyiv currently receives only 1% of the interceptor missiles it needs from the United States, a shortfall that has left cities exposed to increasingly frequent attacks.
Pressed on whether Washington had responded to his appeal, Zelenskyy hinted at quiet diplomatic efforts. "I do some things which I can't even share. It doesn't mean it's out of the law. But I can't speak about it," he said, suggesting that negotiations are underway behind closed doors.
Air defences stretched thin
The plea comes as Russia has stepped up its bombardment of Kyiv and other cities, launching mass missile attacks roughly once a week. In one strike earlier this month, Ukrainian air defences failed to intercept a single one of the 28 ballistic missiles fired at the capital, underscoring the severity of the shortage.
Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine now possesses "two-and-a-half times less interceptors than we had in 2025," while Russia has doubled its monthly production of ballistic missiles. Ballistic projectiles are notoriously difficult to shoot down due to their speed and steep trajectory, and Kyiv's Patriot systems have been further strained since the United States and Israel became embroiled in a conflict with Iran in late February, diverting supplies away from Ukraine.
Last month, Russia launched more than 450 missiles at Ukraine, nearly 200 of them on ballistic paths. The United Nations has described the bombardment as the deadliest for civilians since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. The attacks have killed residents and destroyed homes, with rescue workers in cities like Zaporizhzhia battling fires caused by guided bombs.
European allies have watched the situation with growing concern, as the war's trajectory has direct implications for continental security. While the US remains Ukraine's largest military backer, European nations have also provided air defence systems, but the scale of need far exceeds current supplies. The appeal to Washington highlights the delicate balance of military aid as the conflict enters another winter.
Zelenskyy's request also comes amid broader geopolitical strains, including tensions with Kosovo over recent remarks, and ongoing concerns about North Korean involvement in the war. The Ukrainian leader has repeatedly warned that Russia's ability to sustain its missile campaign depends on external support, and he has called for a unified Western response.
For now, the focus remains on securing the interceptors needed to protect critical infrastructure and civilian populations as temperatures drop. "From one percent to five percent, I have some months and millions (of) phone calls and anything else," Zelenskyy said, underscoring the diplomatic marathon required to bridge the gap.
The outcome of his appeal could shape the course of the war this winter, as both sides brace for a prolonged and brutal phase. European capitals, already grappling with energy and migration pressures, will be watching closely to see whether Washington heeds the call.
