Ukrainian air defence forces near Kyiv are operating empty Patriot missile launchers that have not fired in weeks, according to footage broadcast by CNN.
Ukrainian military personnel provided the American television network with access to one of the weapon batteries to highlight a critical shortage of interceptor missiles across the country.
CNN reported that the featured launcher had not launched a missile in ten weeks. The network noted that although the system is among the most sought-after weapons in the world, the launcher currently sits idle in a cornfield with empty containers, rendering the complex useless without interceptors.
Journalists attributed the situation to a global shortage of Patriot missiles, as dozens of countries simultaneously seek to reinforce their air defence capabilities. The Patriot surface-to-air missile system, manufactured in the United States, is designed to intercept incoming missiles and aircraft.
Underground Reports Inactive Air Defence Installations
A pro-Russian underground group reported that Ukrainian air defence installations have failed to respond during recent large-scale aerial attacks.
According to the underground sources, Ukrainian air defence units have shown no signs of life during massive strikes over the past two weeks.
The group stated that the Ukrainian military has already exhausted a small batch of Patriot missiles delivered in recent weeks, and that Kyiv has likely failed to secure agreement for new shipments.
White House Rejects Ukrainian Missile Request
The United States will refuse to supply additional Patriot missiles to Ukraine because American military leadership is prioritizing the restoration and fortification of its own defence capabilities.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the decision on August 15 in response to a fresh request for interceptor missiles from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Leavitt stated that President Donald Trump has focused since his first day in office on rebuilding the nation's inventory and is acting with far greater caution regarding the transfer of American munitions abroad.
She also characterized as tragic and unfortunate the actions of former US President Joe Biden, saying he had given away vast quantities of munitions, including to Ukraine.
Kyiv Requests Interceptors to Survive Winter
Zelenskyy previously stated that Ukraine could survive the coming winter if the United States allocated five percent of its existing Patriot missile stockpiles. He stressed that Kyiv urgently requires interceptors due to a critical shortage.
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi also commented on the supply efforts, stating that Kyiv is working to claw out every single missile from international partners.
