Ukraine urged allies on Tuesday to immediately release 300 Patriot interceptor missiles from existing stockpiles, warning that Russia is exploiting gaps in Kyiv’s ballistic missile defenses as it prepares for renewed winter attacks on Ukrainian cities.
The urgent request was part of a broader list presented at the 36th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, which also included 500 air-to-air missiles capable of countering cruise missiles, additional MANPADS and $2 billion for drones.
US says support may be needed for years
US Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby praised Ukraine’s recent “stout defense,” arguing that it demonstrated Europe’s ability to take greater responsibility for defending the continent against Russian aggression.
Colby warned that Russia is “reconstituting its forces and its defense-industrial capacity,” requiring allies to prepare for a “protracted conflict” and Ukrainian needs lasting “months and years ahead.”
Washington also placed greater long-term responsibility on Europe, describing the transition toward European allies taking the lead in conventional defense as already underway.
“Support for Ukraine contributes to Europe’s security,” Colby told the nearly 50-country virtual meeting. “Words are not enough. Real money and industrial capacity must be put to work.”
Patriot gap exposed
Ukraine intercepted 31 of 32 cruise missiles in Russia’s latest mass attack, but newly appointed Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara warned that ballistic missiles remain far harder to stop.
“The situation with ballistics is much more difficult. And that difficulty is precisely down to the lack of Patriot missiles,” Khmara told allies.
Moscow is well aware of that vulnerability and is trying to exploit it to exhaust Ukraine’s air defenses, economy and society.
Kyiv is contracting roughly 1,000 Patriot missiles with partner support and EU financing, but most will begin arriving only in future years.
That delay is prompting Ukraine to ask allies for interceptors from existing stocks now, with replacements to come later from future deliveries.
Germany urges allies to release missiles from stocks
Germany answered Kyiv’s call by pledging PAC-2 Patriot interceptors from Bundeswehr stocks and urging other allies to follow.
“If in doubt, decide in favor of Ukraine,” German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told the Contact Group.
Pistorius warned that Moscow’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine, pointing to the explosive-drone incident at Leipzig Airport as part of Russia’s wider effort to weaken support for Kyiv.
Instead, he argued, Russia’s “ruthless and irresponsible behavior” was only strengthening Germany’s resolve to back Ukraine.
Berlin is also increasing AIM-9 air-to-air missile deliveries from Bundeswehr stocks, continuing IRIS-T supplies and backing Ukraine’s City Dome project to shield cities against Russian drones and missiles.
UK adds $135 million winter air-defense package
The United Kingdom separately announced a £100 million ($135 million) contribution through NATO’s Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) to accelerate air-defense deliveries before winter.
Britain’s Defense Secretary Wes Streeting stressed that London’s backing for Kyiv would remain firm as diplomatic efforts continue.
“Hopefully it’s been very evident to everyone on this call, the unshakable and unwavering commitment that our Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, and I, and our entire country feel to Ukraine, to its people and to its government as they fight on the front line not just for Ukrainian freedom and democracy, but for all of our freedom and democracy,” Streeting told the meeting.
Britain has pledged more than 120,000 drones to Ukraine this year, with over 25,000 already delivered and thousands more expected before winter.
The UK also delivered its one-millionth large-caliber artillery round in July, with further ammunition supported by Germany, Denmark, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.
$27 billion funding gap
Ukraine faces a €23 billion ($27 billion) defense funding gap, with much of it needed to sustain drone supplies through early 2027.
Drones account for up to 90% of Ukraine’s battlefield success, Khmara said, urging allies to decide on funding by November.
Partners have committed about €62 billion of the €70 billion pledged in Ankara, leaving an €8 billion shortfall.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte pressed governments to increase support, warning that civilian deaths in Ukraine are now at their highest level since May 2022.
“Delays simply cost human lives,” Rutte said.
Russia’s aerial arsenal is also evolving, with increased use of North Korean missiles and jet-powered drones, he warned.
Kyiv: Russia preparing 300,000 more troops
Moscow is preparing to mobilize around 300,000 additional personnel on top of ongoing recruitment, with the buildup expected to continue into 2027.
Kyiv plans to counter Russia’s numerical advantage with technology and speed.
“Our answer is smart technology and speed,” Khmara said.
Ukraine has built what he called a “drone kill zone,” slowing Russian advances and inflicting losses on more than 30,000 Russian troops each month.
‘Winter is coming’
Winter preparedness remained the central emergency throughout the meeting.
“Since Russia is only advancing very slowly at the front line, it is trying to destroy Ukraine’s economic base and critical infrastructure by air raids on port installations, power plants and other civilian targets,” Pistorius said.
He warned that Russian attacks are likely to intensify as temperatures fall.
“Ukraine is racing against time. It requires us to act resolutely and immediately. Together, we must take the right measures to increase Ukraine’s resilience.”
“Ukraine is racing against time,” Pistorius warned. “Preparing Ukraine for winter is of the highest priority, and it requires us to act resolutely and immediately.”