Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine currently has no shortage of air defense missiles but stressed that the scale of Russian attacks this winter is placing heavy pressure on the country’s defenses.
Speaking to reporters on 20 January, Zelenskyy said that while Ukraine’s air defense systems have slightly increased in number, Russia has significantly ramped up its use of ballistic missiles, acquiring components from foreign partners and the private sector. He emphasized that reducing Russia’s missile production remains a key challenge.
Only Patriots work against ballistics
“For ballistic missiles, aside from PAC-3 - the missiles for Patriot systems - nothing else works,” Zelenskyy said.
He added that Russian use of Shahed drones has also surged, but Ukraine has responded by deploying more interceptor drones and mobile fire groups to counter them. “We are finding instruments; we will ultimately defeat Shaheds - we must. Without this, survival is impossible.”
US support remains decisive
Zelenskyy stressed that continued US and European support is critical for Ukraine’s air defense.
“The key is only in the hands of the United States of America. That is why it is very important that deliveries are on time, that the PURL initiative works, and that partners help us purchase the relevant missiles,” he said.
The Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative is a US-led mechanism that enables Ukraine and its partners to jointly finance and fast-track the purchase of critical US-made weapons and ammunition, including Patriot air defense systems and missiles.
He concluded that the security of Ukrainians this winter depends heavily on coordinated support from Europe and the United States.
Overnight barrage targeted power infrastructure
His comments follow another massive Russian missile and drone attack overnight, which targeted energy infrastructure across multiple regions and deepened Ukraine’s winter power crisis, forcing emergency electricity restrictions in several oblasts.
Russian forces launched 34 missiles and 339 drones, including Zircon anti-ship missiles, Iskander-M and S-300 ballistic missiles, and Kh-101 cruise missiles. Ukraine's air defenses intercepted 342 targets.
Read also
-
Two more Patriots online: Ukraine’s hypersonic missile shield just got stronger with new delivery from Germany
-
NATO to send Ukraine $5 billion in US weapons by year’s end — focus on air defense
-
Kyiv woke up cold and dark again after Russia fired 300+ more drones, dozens of missiles at power facilities (MAP)
Frequently Asked Questions
The Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) is a US-led mechanism that allows Ukraine and its international partners to jointly finance and fast-track the purchase of critical American-made weaponry. This initiative is currently essential for securing timely deliveries of air defense systems and ammunition, such as Patriot missiles
According to President Zelenskyy, Patriot systems equipped with PAC-3 missiles are the only defense capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. As Russia has significantly increased its use of ballistic weaponry, these systems have become the country's primary shield against such high-speed threats.
The overnight barrage, involving 34 missiles and 339 drones, specifically targeted energy infrastructure across multiple regions. While Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 342 targets, the strikes caused a deepening power crisis and forced the implementation of emergency electricity restrictions in several provinces.
