Ukraine's access to Western-made missile interceptors has fallen by a factor of three this year, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Wednesday. The reduction has left Kyiv largely defenseless against incoming Russian missile strikes.

"Unfortunately, supplies of anti-ballistic capabilities from partners have decreased significantly this year," Zelenskyy noted, explaining that "the number of air defense missiles supplied has dropped threefold compared with 2025."

The Ukrainian leader emphasized that the shortfall has persisted through the first half of 2026 and called on allied countries to release additional interceptors from their reserves.

Russia fired 24 ballistic missiles and four anti-ship missiles at Ukraine overnight, focusing mainly on the Kyiv area. Local authorities reported at least 17 deaths and nearly 50 injuries in and around the capital.

Ukraine's Air Force confirmed that none of the incoming missiles were intercepted. Such results have grown more frequent in recent months due to dwindling interceptor supplies.

The ballistic missiles were identified as Iskander-M and S-400 variants. Ukrainian officials noted that some carried cluster warheads designed to spread smaller munitions across a wide zone.

Footage circulating online captured multiple explosions in Kyiv occurring in quick succession, matching the pattern of cluster munitions. Independent verification of the clips was not possible. Russia's defense ministry and its US embassy offered no immediate comment.

Russia has intensified its ballistic missile campaign against Ukraine this year, conducting more than 120 strikes in July alone. A senior Ukrainian defense advisor warned that Moscow could maintain this pace for several months.

Ukraine relies primarily on US-made Patriot systems to counter Russian ballistic missiles. These batteries employ interceptors such as the four-million-dollar PAC-3.

Officials in Kyiv have long stated that supplies fall far short of requirements, and the gap has widened as Russian attacks increase.

Zelenskyy added that more interceptors might have prevented casualties in the latest strike. "It is very important that our partners understand that delays in supplying them, or an unwillingness to provide anti-ballistic systems, lead directly to such horrific casualties and destruction," he posted online.

Global demand for Patriot interceptors remains high because of sustained operations in Ukraine and the Middle East. The US and allies have expended hundreds of rounds against Iranian threats since late February.

Ukraine hopes the US will approve domestic production of Patriot interceptors, although President Donald Trump has yet to finalize approval despite earlier indications of support.

At the same time, Ukraine is advancing a European-wide air defense network intended to engage Russian ballistic missiles at lower cost than Patriot systems.