Ballistic missiles remain Russia’s last major advantage: expert assesses whether Ukraine will finally receive missiles for Patriot systems

Political expert and serviceman Oleksandr Musiienko commented on Zelenskyy’s letter to Trump and Congress regarding Patriot systems and explained Ukraine’s real need for anti-ballistic defense, Politeka reports.

He spoke about this on his blog.

As the expert emphasizes, Ukraine is critically dependent on the United States when it comes to intercepting ballistic missiles. However, Ukraine not only wants to purchase systems and missiles, but also proposes joint production, as there are opportunities and significant potential for cooperation. Demand for Patriot systems, he notes, is growing because the world has seen through Ukraine’s example how hypersonic missiles can be intercepted, including Kinzhal missiles, as well as S-300, S-400, and Iskander missiles.

“Ukraine already produces more drones than Russia and offers its partners cooperation in the format of Drone Deals. This is also an important argument. Using naval drones, Ukraine has effectively pushed Russia’s Black Sea Fleet into distant harbors. But ballistic missiles remain Russia’s last major advantage on the battlefield. That is why the President of Ukraine says that we truly need missiles, and that is a fact,” Oleksandr Musiienko explains.

According to the expert, Putin wants to take advantage of the fact that Ukraine is experiencing shortages of missiles for Patriot systems, which is why Russia is intensifying ballistic missile attacks. In response, Ukraine must strike missile and drone production facilities inside Russia.

“We did not come with an outstretched hand asking: give us everything or we will die tomorrow. No, we are saying that we are standing firm, but please reinforce our resilience, because due to objective realities we may allow more missiles through. The Air Force is working to intercept as many ballistic missiles as possible within our capabilities, but we need more of those capabilities,” Oleksandr Musiienko concludes.