23.08.2026 17:30
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that they are requesting 360 missiles for Patriot systems to strengthen air defense ahead of the winter period, seeking access to 5-10% of U.S. stockpiles, and noting a $27 billion gap in the defense budget. Additionally, Zelensky stated that Russia has increased its ballistic missile production and argued that the Wildberries operation inflicted 3 trillion rubles in damage to the Russian economy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that they have requested 360 missiles for Patriot systems to increase air defense capacity ahead of the winter period and that they are maintaining contacts with allied countries to accelerate the supply process.
"WE ARE WORKING TO DETER RUSSIA"
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his statement to journalists, made assessments regarding his country's defense capacity, military budget needs, and the latest situation behind the front lines.
Noting that Russia currently has around 600 to 630 ballistic missiles and aims to produce 100 ballistic missiles per month until the end of winter, Zelensky said, "We are working to prevent Russia from reaching the level of 1300 ballistic missiles per year and to reduce these numbers. We are weakening their military industry with strikes on military targets and anti-ballistic sanctions."
"WE NEED US STOCKS"
Stating that the Ukrainian Air Force has requested 360 missiles for Patriot systems as part of the winter package, Zelensky noted that obtaining this amount is not easy since the annual global production is around 600 units. Emphasizing that they are considering additional options with allied countries, Zelensky said, "We would very much like to gain access to 5 or 10 percent of US stocks, and we are ready to pay for this supply."
Zelensky reported that they have been successful in intercepting cruise missiles with IRIS-T, Hawk, and fighter jets, but they need additional support for ballistic missiles.
$27 BILLION DEFICIT IN THE DEFENSE BUDGET
Stating that Ukraine faces two major challenges, namely ballistic missiles and defense financing, Zelensky announced a $27 billion deficit in the Defense Ministry's budget. Noting that the funds allocated for the second half of the year had been used for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production and urgent needs at the beginning of the year, Zelensky reported that $8-10 billion is urgently needed to plan for the future, and the remaining amount will be allocated to soldier salaries and payments to the families of fallen soldiers. Zelensky stated that they are maintaining contacts with France and Germany to bring forward the first installments of the expected 30 billion euros in funding from Europe.
"WILDBERRIES ATTACK CAUSED 3 TRILLION RUBLES IN DAMAGE"
Stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not want to end the war and targets civilian infrastructure and logistics centers, Zelensky mentioned the operation targeting the Russian e-commerce and logistics company Wildberries. Expressing that they are retaliating against Russia's logistics attacks, Zelensky said, "With the Wildberries operation, direct losses alone reached 1 trillion rubles. Considering the company's debts and restructuring processes, the total damage to the Russian economy has reached 3 trillion rubles."
Zelensky added that the desire to end the war in Russian society has risen above 60 percent and that they are observing a sharp decline in public support for the ruling party in Russia.