Zelensky Requests More Patriots After 16 Die in Kyiv Strike

President Volodymyr Zelensky today asked the United States for additional Patriot missile interceptors after a Russian strike on a shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih killed at least 16 civilians and left dozens missing. The attack, the deadliest in the city since the war began, underscores the growing risk to Ukrainian civilians as Russian forces intensify their use of long‑range missiles. With winter approaching, Zelensky said the country needs more air‑defence to protect towns and cities from the new generation of guided weapons.

Patriot batteries are among the most advanced air‑defence systems the U.S. has supplied to Ukraine. Since 2022, the country has received four batteries, which can shoot down aircraft, cruise missiles and some ballistic missiles. However, Russian forces have shifted tactics, launching large numbers of surface‑to‑air and anti‑ship missiles from the Black Sea and from the Donetsk region. Analysts say the new Russian “S‑300” and “S‑400” systems can saturate Ukrainian airspace, making