Ukraine has run out of missiles for its Patriot air defense systems, according to a report published Thursday, October 15, citing a source familiar with the situation. The shortage is raising fresh concerns about Kyiv’s ability to defend its cities and critical infrastructure against Russia’s increasingly frequent ballistic missile attacks.

The depleted stockpile reportedly left Ukrainian forces unable to intercept nearly all the ballistic missiles launched during Russia’s latest major attack overnight into Wednesday. Russian missiles struck three power plants in Kyiv and damaged energy infrastructure in Kharkiv, underscoring the potential consequences of the shortage.

The U.S.-made Patriot system is one of the few air defense platforms available to Ukraine capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. Its advanced interceptors are expensive and in limited supply worldwide, making replenishing Ukraine’s stockpile a significant challenge as other nations also seek to maintain their own defenses.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly warned that declining deliveries from Western partners are weakening the country’s ability to protect its population. In August, Zelensky said Ukraine had received only about one-third as many air defense missiles during the first part of 2026 as it received during the comparable period in 2025.

The shortage has developed as Russia continues expanding its missile campaign against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Moscow has increasingly relied on ballistic missiles, which travel at high speeds and can be difficult to intercept, placing additional pressure on Ukraine’s limited supply of advanced defensive weapons.

Ukraine has also faced difficulties obtaining additional interceptors as international conflicts have strained global supplies. The war involving Iran has contributed to increased demand for air defense munitions, with countries reassessing their own stockpiles and military requirements.

The latest developments raise concerns about Ukraine’s ability to protect its energy infrastructure as colder weather approaches. Russian strikes against power plants and other essential facilities could threaten electricity and heating supplies during the winter months, when damage to the country's energy network can have especially severe consequences.

Kyiv has urged its Western partners to accelerate deliveries and expand production of air defense missiles. Zelensky has argued that available interceptors should be sent to Ukraine rather than remain unused in allied stockpiles, warning that delays leave Ukrainian cities exposed to attacks.

The reported shortage also highlights the challenges facing Western governments as they attempt to support Ukraine while maintaining adequate weapons inventories for their own militaries. Patriot interceptors are in demand internationally, and increasing production takes time.

Ukraine’s immediate challenge is securing additional missiles to restore its ability to intercept Russian ballistic threats. Without sufficient supplies, the country faces greater difficulty protecting populated areas and critical infrastructure as Russia continues its aerial campaign.