Patriot missile shortage weakens Ukraine's air defense

Ukraine has reportedly exhausted its supply of missiles for the American-made Patriot air defense system, according to a source cited by CNN on Thursday. This depletion significantly weakens Ukraine's defense capabilities. Patriot missiles are crucial for Ukraine's air defense, and President Zelenskyy has warned for months about dwindling stockpiles. The missiles are only manufactured in the US, and reports of a strained American arsenal amid its conflict with Iran have circulated, though the US president denies this. If the CNN report is accurate, replacing the missiles could be difficult, especially given the public feud between the presidents. Separately, Ukraine resumed attacks on Russian oil refineries after a brief energy ceasefire ended, and two ships were hit by drones in the Black Sea.