The US military test-fired a Patriot missile in 2019. Ukraine received a number of Patriot air defense systems from the West during its war with Russia (Photo: US Army).
Speaking to Ukrainian television on January 9, Mr. Ihnat pointed out that the country had used "large reserves of missiles" to defend itself against recent airstrikes.
“There is clearly a shortage of anti-aircraft guided missiles,” Mr. Ihnat added.
Ukraine officials say Russia has stepped up its missile and drone attacks on the country in recent weeks, with Moscow’s military launching hundreds of missiles and drones at remote Ukrainian cities.
In the latest attack this week alone, Russia fired 51 missiles of various types, killing at least four people and causing damage to civilian infrastructure, Reuters reported, citing Ukrainian officials. Prior to the airstrikes, Ukraine said it had shot down 18 cruise missiles from Russia.
Explaining the much lower than usual interception rate, Ukrainian officials said that Russia fired a large number of ballistic missiles, which are more difficult to intercept.
Ukraine has relied heavily on military and financial aid from its Western allies since Russia launched a "special military operation" in February 2022. Political tensions within the EU and the US have meant that Kiev has so far failed to receive large aid packages.
Mr. Ihnat hopes that the aforementioned delay will be overcome soon, because Ukraine is now dependent on Western supplies not only for anti-aircraft ammunition but also in many other aspects.
“We are getting more and more Western equipment. Therefore, it needs to be maintained, repaired, updated, supplemented and receive corresponding ammunition,” Mr. Ihnat said.
Lawmaker Yehor Chernev told Ukrainian television that the government would discuss ways to strengthen air defenses at a meeting with NATO allies this week.
Kiev officials have warned that Russia is stockpiling missiles to intensify its attacks during the severe cold months, thereby causing further damage to Ukraine's power grid.
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