Ukraine Faces Shortage of Anti-Aircraft Missiles Two Years After Russian Invasion
KYIV – Ukraine continues to confront a deficit of anti-aircraft guided missiles, according to Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat. Nearly two years have passed since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, and Ukraine has heavily relied on military and financial aid from its Western allies. However, the disbursement of major aid packages for this year has been delayed due to political disputes.
Ihnat revealed that Ukraine has depleted a significant reserve of missiles while defending against recent attacks. He emphasized, “It is clear that there is a deficit of anti-aircraft guided missiles.” Russian aggression has escalated in the past few weeks, with hundreds of missiles and drones targeting Ukrainian cities far from the frontline. In the most recent strike, Russia fired 51 missiles of different types, resulting in the death of at least four people and causing damage to civilian infrastructure, officials stated.
Ukrainian authorities reported intercepting and downing 18 of the cruise missiles, a lower rate than usual. This decline in interception success was attributed to the large number of ballistic missiles fired by Russia, which are more challenging to intercept.
Expressing concern, Ihnat expressed hope that the delays in Western aid packages would be resolved promptly. He emphasized that Ukraine’s reliance on Western supplies extends beyond air defense ammunition, as the country increasingly relies on Western equipment, which requires maintenance, repair, updating, replenishment, and corresponding ammunition.
Yehor Chernev, a lawmaker, announced that Ukraine will discuss strengthening its air defense capabilities with its NATO allies during an upcoming meeting this week. Ukrainian officials had previously warned that Russia was stockpiling missiles in preparation for further attacks during the critical winter months. The aim is to inflict more damage on Ukraine’s energy grid, which experienced frequent power cuts last winter.
As Ukraine faces ongoing security challenges, the government and its allies are actively seeking solutions to bolster the country’s air defense capabilities and address the missile shortage.
(Reporting by Olena Harmash; Editing by Timothy Heritage)
(Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters)
Ukraine is facing a shortage of anti-aircraft guided missiles almost two years after Russia’s invasion, according to a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force. The country has relied on military and financial aid from Western allies, but delays in aid disbursement have hindered its defense capabilities. Russia has recently increased missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, leading to a depletion of missile reserves. The rate of interception of cruise missiles has been lower due to the large number of ballistic missiles fired by Russia. Ukraine hopes for a resolution on aid packages soon as it depends on Western supplies for not only ammunition but also equipment maintenance and repair. The government plans to discuss strengthening air defenses with NATO allies. Ukrainian officials have warned of Russia’s stockpiling of missiles to inflict more damage on the energy grid during the harsh winter months.
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