Ukraine's air force claims that U.S. Patriot systems have intercepted every Russian "dagger" missile since May.
With the help of the state-of-the-art defenses that Zelensky has long clamoured for, the country has increasingly managed to thwart Russian bombardments. Its efficacy is likely to further whet Ukraine's appetite for more of the highly coveted anti-ballistic systems.
In an interview with Ukrinform, the country's state-run national news agency, Air Force Colonel Serhii Yaremenk said: "All the Kinzhals that were launched at the Ukrainian capital since it was announced that the Patriot air defense system was put on combat duty have been successfully intercepted."
"Since the beginning of May 2023, not a single ballistic [missile] has reached its target in our country's capital. More than 20 Kinzhals were launched at Kyiv and all of them were successfully intercepted," he added.
Kinzhal missiles, which translates to "dagger" in Russian, were once touted as a game-changer for the Russian military in its bombardment of Ukrainian cities.
However, they have not lived up to their promise in Ukraine thanks to the Patriot Systems that Zelensky has acquired.
The MIM-104 Patriot is manufactured in the U.S. by defense contractor Raytheon, and is considered one of the most advanced air-defense systems in the world.
Ukraine is currently in possession of at least two of these systems, one donated by the U.S. in May and the other provided in partnership by Germany and the Netherlands.
Zelensky has consistently lobbied for more of the high-tech anti-ballistic to be sent to Ukraine, which he says are necessary to counter the 3,000 projectiles Russia launches at the country every month.
"Ukraine needs seven systems – this is the bare minimum," the president said in an April address.
This was scaled back from earlier demands for 25 Patriot systems, which Zelensky said were necessary "to cover Ukraine completely."
In April, Germany pledged to send another Patriot to Ukraine, with Biden following suit by approving the deployment of a second system in June.
In late June, Romania also promised to send a Patriot system to Ukraine, though Bucharest's donation included the caveat that the U.S. would have to make up the difference.
"This donation is made on the condition that our country continues negotiations with allies, especially with an American strategic partner, with the aim of obtaining a similar or equivalent system ... At the same time, it is necessary to find a temporary solution to cover the operational vulnerability created in this way," the announcemtn on President Klaus Lohannis's website read.
On Wednesday, the Department of Defense announced a $2.2 billion aid package to upgrade Ukraine's air defenses, including additional surface-to-air missiles for the country's existing Patriot systems.
Given their success in curtailing Russian bombardments, it is no surprise that Ukraine is so desperate for more Patriots to help safeguard its skies.
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Hugh Cameron is Newsweek Live News Reporter based in London, U.K. His focus is reporting on international politics, conflict, and ... Read more
