Zelensky Seeks 10% of US Patriots
In a CNN interview, the Ukrainian president appeals to Washington, stressing that 5% of interceptor stockpiles would be enough to survive the winter, while 10% would fully neutralize Russian ballistic threats.
In a CNN interview, the Ukrainian president appeals to Washington, stressing that 5% of interceptor stockpiles would be enough to survive the winter, while 10% would fully neutralize Russian ballistic threats.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a strong appeal to the United States, requesting the delivery of a portion of America's Patriot interceptor missile stockpiles. In an interview with CNN, published on Thursday, August 13, 2026, Zelensky emphasized that 5% of these stockpiles would be enough for Ukraine to survive the coming winter, while 10% would enable the destruction of all Russian ballistic missiles.
"If they sell us 5%, we will survive the winter and save lives. If they can sell us 10%, we will destroy all Russian ballistic missiles. I have 1%," Zelensky told CNN, as reported by Ukrainska Pravda.
Zelensky warned of an alarming decline in Ukraine's defense capabilities. "This year, we have two and a half times fewer interceptors than in 2025. Russia launches twice as many ballistic missiles every month as before," the Ukrainian president stated.
According to United Nations data, July was the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since April 2022. Zelensky described the daily reality of war: "Every night we have attacks, and four to five times a month we suffer major strikes... These are terrible nights."
He further stressed that in July, Ukraine intercepted only 29 of the 195 ballistic missiles Russia launched at its territory, marking the deadliest month for civilians since the start of the invasion in 2022.
The Ukrainian leader revealed that his days are spent in relentless diplomatic efforts. "That's what I live with every day: from 1% to 5%. I have a few months and millions of phone calls... I'm trying to exchange something for missiles... I'm doing things I can't even talk about. That doesn't mean it's outside the law. But I can't discuss it," he said.
Zelensky confirmed that he recently spoke with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance but declined to disclose details. He also expressed hope for the fulfillment of President Donald Trump's promise of a license for Ukraine to produce Patriots domestically, though he acknowledged doubts about the realization of that plan. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated that co-production of interceptors is unlikely to happen before winter.
"I hope to achieve that. Right now, I don't have that 5%, nor do I have that support. And that is a huge challenge for me, one of the biggest I've faced since the start of this war."
Ukraine is simultaneously working on its own ballistic and anti-ballistic missile system that could be combat-ready as early as this autumn, according to the Ukrainian president.
Zelensky warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not intend to stop the war and could escalate the conflict toward smaller NATO members, particularly the Baltic states. "He doesn't know how to end this war without a major occupation or a big victory for his society. It's easier to find some smaller country... for him, it won't matter whether that country is in NATO or not," Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian president stressed the need for greater U.S. involvement in the peace process: "We need more involvement from the American side in the peace plan. I'm grateful to President Trump's team for wanting to continue. Putin doesn't want to stop this war, and there isn't enough pressure on him right now."
Zelensky dismissed the possibility of ceding remaining territories in the Donbas, emphasizing that security guarantees remain key for Kyiv.
