Zelenskyy Urges US to Send Patriot Missiles After Russia Fires 73 Missiles and 700 Drones
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 2
Zelenskyy Urges US to Send Patriot Missiles After Russia Fires 73 Missiles and 700 Drones
2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 2
Zelenskyy renewed his appeal to Washington for more Patriot interceptors after Russia launched 73 missiles and nearly 700 drones in a new mass strike on Ukraine.
About 600 Patriot interceptors are produced each year, while heavy use in Ukraine and the US-Israeli campaign against Iran has sharply drained global stocks and intensified competition for remaining supplies.
Analysts estimate the Iran conflict has consumed roughly a third of Patriot interceptor inventories, with Gulf states alone firing more than 1,100 missiles and leaving what experts call a "window of vulnerability."
Ukraine says Patriots are its only effective defense against ballistic missiles, and experts warn the shortage is already shaping Russian tactics while raising risks to critical infrastructure and NATO readiness.
Lockheed Martin aims to more than triple output of the roughly $3 million interceptors, but specialists say shortages are likely to persist for another two to three years.
With Patriot missile production lagging, how are nations adapting their defense strategies to counter immediate ballistic threats?
Can the defense industry rebuild capacity fast enough to close the missile gap before adversaries exploit this critical vulnerability?
Russia’s June 2, 2026 Missile Barrage Exposes Ukraine’s Air Defense Gaps and Western Supply Challenges
Overview
On June 2, 2026, Russia launched one of the largest aerial attacks of the war, striking multiple Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, with a barrage of missiles and drones. The assault caused severe damage, especially in Kyiv, where critical infrastructure in several districts was disrupted. Russia described the attack as a massive strike targeting military and strategic sites, claiming it was retaliation for alleged acts by Kyiv. The widespread destruction and casualties led Ukraine to urgently appeal to international partners for stronger air defense support, highlighting the escalating threat and the need for enhanced protection.