Sell Ukraine 10% of US Patriots and ‘we will destroy all the Russians’ ballistic missiles,’ Zelensky tells CNN

Zelensky Urges Washington to Supply More Patriot Missiles as Ukraine Faces Critical Shortage

Activelifezero.com – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stark assessment of his nation’s defensive capabilities, revealing that Kyiv possesses merely one-tenth of the interceptor missiles required to counter escalating Russian ballistic attacks. In a candid interview, the Ukrainian leader emphasized that his daily routine revolves around millions of telephone conversations and complex negotiations with international partners to secure additional ammunition.

The urgency of the situation has intensified dramatically over recent weeks, with Russian forces launching increasingly frequent strikes against Ukrainian cities. The capital Kyiv has borne the brunt of these assaults, as Moscow capitalizes on Ukraine’s critically depleted reserves of Patriot interceptor missiles. According to Zelensky, acquiring ten percent of the current American stockpile would enable Ukraine to neutralize all Russian ballistic threats, while securing five percent would provide sufficient coverage to survive the upcoming winter season.

A Growing Missile Gap

The disparity between Ukrainian needs and available resources has widened considerably. Zelensky highlighted the dramatic decline in interceptor availability, noting that current stocks represent a significant reduction from previous years. Meanwhile, Russian offensive capabilities have expanded substantially, with Moscow deploying twice as many ballistic missiles monthly compared to earlier periods.

“This year we have two and a half times less interceptors than we had in 2025,” Zelensky stated. “Russia has two times more ballistic missiles per month than they had before.”

The human toll of this imbalance has been severe. United Nations data indicates that July marked the most lethal month for Ukrainian civilians since April 2022. Nightly attacks have become routine, with massive bombardments occurring four or five times each month. Despite the relentless pressure, Zelensky praised the resilience of his people, though he acknowledged their growing exhaustion.

Personal Diplomacy and Secret Deals

Zelensky provided unprecedented insight into his personal diplomatic efforts, describing a daily existence focused on securing additional interceptors through various means. He revealed that his negotiations often involve arrangements he prefers to keep confidential, though he emphasized that these dealings remain within legal boundaries.

“This is what I live each day: from 1% to 5%. I have some months, and million phone calls … I try to exchange something to missiles … I do some things which I can’t even share. It doesn’t mean that it’s outside of the law. But I can’t speak about it.”

The global shortage of Patriot missiles has been exacerbated by American military operations in the Middle East. The ongoing conflict with Iran has consumed dozens of interceptor missiles as the United States and Gulf state allies work to counter Iranian ballistic and drone attacks. This worldwide demand has left Ukraine particularly vulnerable, with some cities appearing defenseless during certain nights of Russian rocket assaults.

Trump’s Manufacturing Proposal

Uncertainty surrounds a potential solution to Ukraine’s missile crisis. President Donald Trump initially signaled support for allowing Ukraine to manufacture its own Patriot interceptors, a proposal that could significantly enhance Kyiv’s long-term defensive capabilities. However, Trump later expressed doubts about the feasibility of this arrangement.

Manufacturers of the Patriot system have dispatched representatives to Kyiv to explore the manufacturing concept, though concrete outcomes remain uncertain. Zelensky acknowledged the challenge this presents, noting that securing both the missiles and the manufacturing authorization represents one of the most significant obstacles he has faced since the war began.

“I hope that I will get it,” Zelensky said. “I don’t have now 5% and I don’t have such an acceptance. And this is for me is a big challenge, one of the biggest I had from the very beginning of this war.”

Broader Strategic Concerns

Beyond the immediate missile shortage, Zelensky addressed several critical issues in his interview. He confirmed recent communications with Vice President JD Vance, though he declined to elaborate on reports that Vance may have requested Ukraine halt attacks on a Russian oil port in the Black Sea. Such operations have raised concerns about potential impacts on American energy companies and global oil markets.

Zelensky also outlined Kyiv’s position on the peace process, emphasizing the need for greater American engagement. He expressed gratitude for the Trump administration’s willingness to continue negotiations while criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin for lacking sufficient motivation to end the conflict.

“We need more involvement of the American side to the peace plan. I’m thankful to the team of President Trump that they want to continue. (Russian President Vladimir) Putin doesn’t want to stop this war now and (there’s) not enough pressure on him now.”

Perhaps most significantly, Zelensky rejected suggestions that Ukraine should concede remaining Donbass territory. He questioned why Russia would honor any territorial agreement, pointing out that Moscow could easily deploy additional millions of soldiers after a temporary pause. The Ukrainian leader emphasized that security guarantees remain essential for Kyiv’s future stability.

Zelensky concluded by agreeing with Western intelligence assessments that Putin might attempt to test NATO unity through attacks on smaller Baltic member states. He suggested that the Russian president lacks a clear strategy for ending the war without achieving either a major occupation or a decisive victory for Russian society.

“He doesn’t know how to end this war without big occupation or big victory for his society. It’s more simple to find some smaller country … for him, it will not be important if this country is in NATO or not in NATO. He wants quick vic”