Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on international allies to urgently supply advanced anti-ballistic missile systems following a deadly Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv and surrounding areas that killed at least 17 people and injured more than 50. The assault, which took place on Tuesday night, involved dozens of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and over a hundred drones, overwhelming Ukraine’s air defences.
According to Ukrainian authorities, Russian forces launched 24 ballistic missiles, four cruise missiles, and approximately 115 drones in the offensive. While Ukrainian air defences shot down the majority of the drones, none of the ballistic missiles were intercepted. This is believed to be due to Ukraine’s depleted stocks of US-made Patriot interceptor missiles—the only Western-supplied system proven capable of reliably shooting down Russia’s high-speed Iskander-M ballistic missiles.
Zelensky emphasized on social media that the shortage of these interceptors directly contributed to the casualties and destruction caused by the attacks. He warned that delays or reluctance from partner countries in supplying anti-ballistic missile systems have led to “horrific casualties and destruction.” He urged allies unwilling to provide interceptors to consider imposing new sanctions on Russia. Ukrainian officials noted that the supply of air defence missiles has dropped to about a third compared with the previous year.
Ukrainian military sources say the Russian strikes targeted transport, logistics, and industrial infrastructure, including civilian warehouses and commercial facilities, though Zelensky indicated many of the struck sites had no military relevance, mentioning a brewing company and civilian logistics centers among the damaged properties. Fires from the bombardment raged through the night, with fears that victims might still be trapped under rubble.
The renewed missile campaign comes amid signs that Russia is intensifying its use of ballistic weapons as other parts of its military offensive stall. Ukrainian officials reported significant Russian personnel losses from drone strikes in July and continue to counter Russian advances with drone attacks of their own, including recent strikes against a Russian e-commerce outlet accused of supporting military logistics.
The crisis over interceptor missiles in Ukraine has intersected with broader geopolitical complexities. US President Donald Trump initially pledged at a NATO summit to allow Ukraine to produce Patriot missiles domestically but has since expressed reservations, citing concerns over technology proliferation. Ukraine and Western officials are reportedly exploring options that might allow partial domestic production and assembly in Europe to replenish depleted stocks. However, production constraints are significant, with current global manufacturing levels insufficient to meet rising demands and complicated by other conflicts such as the war in Iran, which also requires Patriot interceptors.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is collaborating with European partners to develop its own anti-ballistic defence system, the Freyja project, though it is not expected to be operational until next year.
The ongoing missile and drone attacks have drawn condemnation from Western leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, who denounced Russia’s “policy of terror” and reaffirmed continued military and economic support for Ukraine. The situation underlines the growing pressure on Ukraine’s air defences and the urgent need for enhanced missile defence capabilities to protect civilians amid escalating Russian assaults.