Ukraine urgently needs additional missiles for its Patriot and NASAMS air defense systems to protect critical infrastructure from intensified Russian attacks, Ukrainian officials told allies during an emergency meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council in Brussels.
The extraordinary session, held in the Political Committee format at Ukraine’s request, followed a wave of large-scale Russian strikes and the reported use of a new Russian medium-range ballistic missile near NATO borders.
Deputy Foreign Minister Oleksandr Mishchenko, Deputy Defense Minister Serhiy Boyev and Deputy Energy Minister Roman Andarak joined the meeting online, briefing allies on the deteriorating security situation and Russia’s sustained campaign against Ukraine’s energy sector.
Ukrainian officials warned that Moscow’s attacks aim to trigger a humanitarian crisis during winter by depriving civilians of electricity, water and heating. They said the country’s power system remains under extreme pressure and requires urgent reinforcement, particularly through stronger air defenses.
“Russia has significantly increased the number of missiles and drones used against Ukraine. This clearly shows its focus on further escalation,” Boyev said, calling for additional interceptor missiles for Patriot and NASAMS systems.
He also said Russia’s use of a medium-range ballistic missile close to NATO territory underscores the Kremlin’s aggressive posture and lack of interest in peace, urging allies to invest more in joint defense programs, including interceptor drones and industrial capacity.
Andarak outlined measures Ukraine is taking to keep the energy system functioning and detailed priority needs for protecting, repairing and restoring damaged energy facilities to ensure long-term resilience.
NATO allies strongly condemned Russia’s attacks as acts of terror against civilians and reaffirmed their continued support for Ukraine, pledging to provide further assistance as needed.
Russia launched a wave of massive overnight attacks across Ukraine early Tuesday, striking Kyiv, the Kyiv region, Odesa, the Dnipropetrovsk region and the outskirts of Kharkiv in a renewed attempt to cripple the country’s energy infrastructure amid deadly winter cold.
The assault unfolded in multiple waves, combining Shahed drones with ballistic and cruise missiles. In Kyiv, where temperatures dropped to –16°C (+3°F), explosions continued to rock the city throughout the night.
The capital was hit twice. The first wave began around 1 a.m., when several ballistic missiles were fired from multiple directions. After 4 a.m., a second wave followed, with dozens of drones and cruise missiles targeting Kyiv and surrounding areas.
Journalists from Kyiv Post living in different districts reported loud explosions throughout the night and early morning. Monitoring channels said energy facilities were among the primary targets.
Large parts of the Kyiv region were left without electricity. The towns of Irpin, Bucha and Hostomel were almost completely blacked out, with residents also reporting water supply disruptions.
In Kyiv itself, emergency power cuts were introduced on the morning of Jan. 13 on the orders of Ukrenergo after infrastructure was damaged in the overnight attack, city authorities said.