Ukraine runs out of Patriot interceptors as Russian strikes hit Kyiv and Kharkiv

Ukraine has completely exhausted its supply of US-made Patriot interceptor missiles, leaving the nation critically exposed to escalating Russian air strikes. The depleted stocks enabled recent Russian missile attacks to strike power plants in Kyiv and Kharkiv, killing four people and damaging energy infrastructure. The shortage follows diplomatic tensions after a US deal with Moscow and restrictions on Ukrainian strikes. Washington limited Starlink access and blocked European allies from purchasing Patriot interceptors for Kyiv after Ukraine refused to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries. President Volodymyr Zelensky said defence capabilities are being artificially restricted and appealed directly to Washington to release the interceptors.