Ukraine is facing a critical shortage of Patriot air defense systems, President Volodymyr Zelensky warned, saying the situation “can’t get any worse.”
In an interview with German broadcaster ZDF, Zelensky said that global crises, including the escalating Iran conflict, are diverting US attention and potentially affecting the pace of military assistance to Ukraine.
Referring to US negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, he said they were “constantly in contact with Iran and have no time for Ukraine,” expressing concern that shifting priorities could weaken Western support for Kyiv.
“If the war drags on, there will be fewer weapons for Ukraine,” Zelensky said, adding that the shortage of Patriot systems was particularly severe.
“We have such a shortage right now – worse than ever,” he told ZDF.
Zelensky also noted that Ukraine was ready to contribute to broader regional security efforts, including in the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting Kyiv could apply its experience from Black Sea operations.
“America has not asked us yet,” he said.
On US President Donald Trump’s approach to Russia’s war in Ukraine, Zelensky said Washington appears to maintain a more “constructive diplomacy” with Moscow than with European allies.
He added that European countries face difficulties securing a role in trilateral discussions involving the US and Russia.
At the same time, he stressed the importance of sustained American pressure on Moscow, saying Russia would not fear consequences without it.
Turning to Europe, Zelensky praised Germany as Ukraine’s “largest strategic partner in Europe,” adding that Berlin currently provides more support than the United States.
His comments came after talks in Berlin with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, where both sides agreed to deepen cooperation on air defense, drones, and Ukraine’s defense industry, alongside a new strategic partnership between the two countries.
Ukraine and Germany have agreed on a €4 billion ($4.7 billion) defense package covering Patriot missiles, drone production, and long-range weapons development, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Tuesday after talks with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
Germany will fund the delivery of several hundred Patriot missiles to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses, alongside 36 IRIS-T launchers to expand its layered protection system.
Fedorov did not specify delivery timelines, as global Patriot supplies have been under strain due to high demand.
While Patriot systems are typically reserved for high-speed, high-value Russian missiles in Ukraine, IRIS-T launchers provide medium-range coverage against aerial threats at lower and medium altitudes as part of a layered air defense network.
During a press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Tuesday, Zelensky already warned of potential delays in deliveries of Patriot air defense missiles.
According to Zelensky, the supply of PAC-3 missiles could slow down due to the situation in the Middle East.
He added that Ukraine is already working with partners, including countries in the Middle East and Europe, to find alternative supply sources and strengthen the protection of the Ukrainian airspace.
Russian forces launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine in the early hours of Wednesday, April 15, killing and injuring civilians and causing widespread damage across several regions.
Zaporizhzhia was among the hardest hit, where a 74-year-old kiosk worker was killed and multiple civilian sites were damaged.
In Dnipro, a woman was injured and a residential building and administrative facility were hit, while Cherkasy reported at least three injuries from falling debris.
Fires were also reported in Sumy’s industrial zone after repeated strikes, and in Odesa region, port infrastructure, warehouses, and administrative buildings were damaged.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia launched three Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 324 drones overnight. Air defenses shot down or suppressed 309 drones, though strikes and debris hits were still recorded across multiple locations nationwide.
Notably, deliveries of Patriot missiles from European partners remain very limited.
According to El País on March 30, Spain planned to transfer five Patriot missiles to Ukraine to help strengthen its air defenses.
The missiles, identified as Patriot PAC-2 interceptors, are currently in service with Spain’s air defense units and are valued at around $3-4 million each.
Despite limited stockpiles and delays in its own modernization program, the Spanish government approved the transfer.