In January 2026, Russia launched 91 ballistic missiles at Ukraine — the highest monthly total since the start of the war, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense.
Ukrainian systems can intercept these missiles only with American MIM-104 Patriot complexes, purchased with funds from European allies.
“Ukraine is working to accelerate the delivery of Patriot missiles in order to protect critical infrastructure and civilian targets as effectively as possible,” the Ministry of Defense states.
During the most recent Ramstein meeting, agreements were reached to expedite the delivery of munitions from European partners’ stockpiles.
European SAMP/T as an additional shield
Defense expert Anatolii Khrapchynskyi said on Radio NV that European air defense systems, particularly the next-generation Franco-Italian SAMP/T, can also intercept ballistic missiles with complex trajectories.
“Europe needs to accelerate the production of such systems so that a kind of ‘European Patriot’ emerges, protecting not only Ukraine but the entire continent from similar threats,” the expert stressed.
Zircons and air defense testing: Russia tests weapons on a live battlefield
According to Khrapchynskyi, Russia constantly seeks “gaps” in Ukraine’s air defense by using Zircon hypersonic missiles and other systems that are difficult to intercept. On 16 February, Moscow launched four of them from Crimea.
“The enemy has significantly increased the use of these missiles to test the effectiveness of global air defense systems under real combat conditions,” he explained.
Khrapchynskyi stressed that Ukraine needs to step up collaboration with Western allies to supply missiles for air defense systems capable of effectively countering enemy ballistic threats and minimizing risks to civilians and critical infrastructure.
