Ukraine pleads for more Patriot missiles as civilian deaths rise

Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has confirmed that the country has received additional Patriot missile systems, but he insists far more are needed to protect civilians as Russian attacks intensify. Speaking after a visit by British political figures, Zelensky said Ukraine needs at least 300 Patriot missiles for the coming winter. The appeal comes amid what has been described as the deadliest summer for Ukrainian civilians since the start of the war.

Patriot missiles are expensive to produce, costing around three million pounds each. The United States, a key supplier, has seen its own stockpile shrink significantly. In February, the US had more than 2,000 Patriot missiles in reserve; that number has now fallen to less than 850. Ukraine has already used roughly 600 Patriot missiles since the invasion began.

The human cost of the ongoing strikes was brought into sharp focus by the story of one family in a residential area. A 15-year-old boy filmed the sound of Russian drones overhead. The first strike hit an upstairs bedroom, killing his five-year-old brother in his sleep. His father, Alexander, then filmed as the boy's grandparents were helped out of the house before a second drone hit the garage. Within minutes, a third and fourth strike landed directly on both grandparents. Dima, Helena and Petro, half the household, were killed by a total of six drone strikes that night. Three weeks later, Alexander returned to the ruins of his home, where the drone that killed his family lay piled up in the garden. He believes his military background made him a target.

British political figures have been involved in the diplomatic effort. Andy Burnham, who was with Zelensky in Kyiv, said he would use Britain's influence to persuade other countries to hand over more missile defence systems. He acknowledged that other nations face their own threats, but argued that countries with spare stockpiles should consider donating them. The UK does not have any Patriot systems of its own, so the focus is on encouraging allies such as Greece to release spares.

The appeal for more missiles comes as Ukraine's air defences are stretched thin, with some systems diverted to the Middle East conflict. The result has been a rise in civilian deaths from drone and ballistic missile attacks. For Alexander, who has buried his parents and youngest son, any future assistance will come too late. His story illustrates the urgent stakes behind Zelensky's request.