Ukraine's Patriot missile shortage and US tensions leave it more exposed than ever

Ukraine has run out of Patriot interceptor missiles, leaving it more vulnerable to Russian ballistic attacks, according to a CNN analysis citing sources. This comes amid escalating public tensions between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky has warned for months about depleted Patriot stocks, which are among the few weapons capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. The missiles are expensive and in short supply globally. A Russian attack on Kyiv Wednesday hit three power stations, killing four and wounding 25. Kyiv has sought a solution since August, when Zelensky said Ukraine had only a tenth of needed interceptors. A promised US license to build Patriots never materialized. Washington is pressing Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian fuel facilities, while Moscow continues hitting Ukrainian energy infrastructure.