Ukraine Runs Out of Patriot Missiles Amid Deepening Trump-Zelenskyy Rift

Kyiv/Washington, Oct 16 : Ukraine has exhausted its stocks of US-made Patriot interceptor missiles, leaving the country increasingly vulnerable to Russian ballistic missile attacks as tensions between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy deepen, according to a source familiar with the situation.

The shortage became particularly evident during Russia's overnight strikes on Wednesday, when most incoming ballistic missiles were not intercepted due to a lack of ammunition, CNN reported, citing the source.

"Almost all the ballistic missiles from the last strike were not intercepted due to lack of the interceptor missiles," the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The Russian attacks struck three power plants in Kyiv and targeted energy infrastructure in Kharkiv. The strikes killed four people and injured at least 25 in the Ukrainian capital, highlighting the challenges facing the country's air defence network as winter approaches.

The Patriot system is among the few weapons capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles, including the Iskander-M. However, the interceptors are expensive and in short supply globally, making it difficult for Kyiv to replenish its stocks quickly.

Lockheed Martin, the US defence contractor that manufactures the interceptors, introduced a lower-cost PAC-3 ACE variant in July, with initial production expected to begin within 36 months. Existing PAC-3 interceptors cost around USD 4 million each, adding to the financial and logistical challenges of sustaining Ukraine's air defence operations during prolonged Russian attacks.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has repeatedly urged Western allies to provide additional air defence systems and ammunition, warning that stronger protection is essential for cities and critical infrastructure ahead of winter.

During a meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Friday, Zelenskyy called for increased efforts to strengthen Ukraine's defences against Russian attacks.

"Air defence is the top priority, first and foremost anti-ballistic defence and everything that helps intercept jet-powered 'shaheds'," he said, referring to Iranian-designed attack drones used by Russia.

The missile shortage comes amid a growing rift between Trump and Zelenskyy over Ukraine's military strategy and the prospects for ending the war.

In an interview with Newsmax on Thursday, Trump described Zelenskyy as "not a good guy for us to deal with" and said he found the Ukrainian president more difficult to negotiate with than Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"I think I find Zelensky to be more difficult to deal with than Putin," Trump said.

Trump has questioned Zelenskyy's willingness to reach a settlement with Moscow and urged Kyiv to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries. He has warned that strikes on energy infrastructure could disrupt fuel supplies and push up diesel prices.

The US president has also suggested that Ukraine may need a new leader capable of negotiating an agreement with Russia, adding to uncertainty over Washington's long-term commitment to Kyiv.

Zelenskyy, however, has maintained that Ukraine requires continued military assistance and stronger air defences while Russian forces continue their attacks.

The dispute has intensified following reports that Washington has asked Kyiv to stop striking Russian energy facilities and that continued attacks could affect US weapons supplies and intelligence-sharing arrangements. Trump has denied that the United States stopped sharing intelligence with Ukraine.

Questions over intelligence support have also emerged after reports of restrictions affecting Starshield, the military-grade satellite communications service operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX.

Ukrainian officials have said the disruptions affected military communications, logistics and some drone operations, although the service was partially restored. Musk has said Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government, which determines how the service is used and whether restrictions are imposed.

The reported missile shortage and communications disruptions have underscored Ukraine's dependence on American military equipment, technology and intelligence support as it seeks to defend itself against Russian attacks.

With Patriot interceptors in short supply worldwide, replenishing Ukraine's stocks will depend on missile availability and decisions by the United States and other Western allies.

In late September, Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine had reached an agreement to receive a new package of missiles for its Patriot air defence systems. The announcement followed a meeting with representatives of the Ukrainian community in the United States. However, he did not disclose the country from which Ukraine would purchase the missiles.

For Kyiv, the immediate challenge is to strengthen its air defences as Russian attacks continue. The worsening relationship between Trump and Zelenskyy has added uncertainty over future military assistance at a time when Ukraine faces mounting battlefield pressure and renewed calls for a negotiated settlement.

Tighten the report for brevityClarify the Patriot missile shortage