Ukraine Reportedly Runs Out of Patriot Interceptors

Ukraine has reportedly exhausted its stock of Patriot air-defense interceptors, according to an unnamed source familiar with the shortage, leaving the country with fewer defenses against Russian ballistic missiles. The source told CNN that a lack of interceptors meant almost all ballistic missiles in Russia’s latest attack were not stopped. The claim has not been independently confirmed in the supplied accounts. The overnight attack into Wednesday, October 14, struck three power plants in Kyiv and targeted energy infrastructure in Kharkiv. Four people were killed and 25 injured in Kyiv, according to reports. Ukraine’s Air Force said it intercepted four Russian ballistic missiles during the assault, but the reports do not establish which systems were used. That figure does not by itself confirm whether Patriot interceptors remain in Ukraine’s inventory. Patriot systems are among the few weapons capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, making the reported shortage a concern for Ukraine’s defense of cities and energy infrastructure. Ukrainian officials have sought additional interceptors as supplies remain scarce globally. In August, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine...