Ukraine needs way more than 10 Patriot missiles as Russian strikes intensify
U.S. President Donald Trump’s promise to supply Ukraine with 10 interceptors for Patriot air defense systems represents a gesture of little significance, a senior Ukrainian Air Force officer told The Times on July 9.
“If they actually send us ten [missiles], it will be nothing more than a bad joke,” the unnamed officer said.
“That’s not enough for even one battle.”
The report noted that the previous morning, Russia launched a massive strike against Ukraine, using 740 munitions that included seven cruise missiles and six Kinzhal hypersonic aeroballistic missiles. The attack came as U.S. military aid to Ukraine had been paused last week, ostensibly in order to review if remaining stockpiles of U.S. weapons are sufficient for national security.
According to the report, one batch of Patriot interceptors—around 40 units—was turned back halfway to Ukraine. In that context, the promise to provide just 10 missiles has shocked Ukrainian military officials.
Earlier, Axios reported that Trump had promised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy an immediate shipment of 10 Patriot interceptor missiles. The administration, however, is reportedly reluctant to supply a larger number of these missiles, pushing European allies to contribute more financial and material support instead.
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