"Our missile defense capabilities depend on friends and partners around the world. Regarding ballistic missile interception capabilities, we rely entirely on the US", Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote in the letter published today by the Kyiv Independent newspaper.

Zelensky affirmed that the US-made Patriot air defense system remains the most effective method for countering all types of Russian ballistic missiles. "In Ukraine's hands, the Patriot system has proven that a majority of Russian missiles can be intercepted", the letter stated.

Russian missiles hit Kyiv in a video released on 24/5. Video: Reuters

President Zelensky called on his counterpart Trump and the US Congress to provide support for Ukraine to receive the most modern PAC-3 missiles for Patriot and other systems, calling them "vital tools" to counter attacks from Russia.

President Zelensky previously confirmed that he had "prepared a special letter" for President Donald Trump and the US Congress, adding that the document was delivered to agencies in Washington on 26/5.

He stated that it is rare for a country's leader to send a letter to both the US President and Congress simultaneously, emphasizing that the current situation demands "swift and effective action". "It is important for the US to hear Ukraine. Strengthening ballistic missile defense capabilities will help us effectively advance diplomatic efforts sooner", President Zelensky said.

Dmytro Lytvyn, a media advisor to the Ukrainian President, previously stated that Zelensky's "urgent letter" addressed the severe shortage of air defense equipment in Ukraine.

President Zelensky (left) and his counterpart Trump in Florida, US in 12/2025. Photo: AFP

The letter also expressed Kyiv's growing concern about difficulties in receiving weapons through Ukraine's Priority Request List (PURL) program, under which NATO member states provide funding for Ukraine to purchase military equipment from the US.

"The pace of transfers through the PURL program no longer keeps up with the actual threat we face. We request your assistance to protect Ukraine's skies from Russian missiles", the letter stated.

US officials have not yet commented.

The information was released amid intensified large-scale Russian attacks on Ukraine and public threats of long-range attacks on the capital Kyiv, targeting "decision-making centers".

Ukraine faces challenges in countering Russian airstrikes due to the very limited supply of Patriot missiles and Western air defense systems. "Defending against ballistic missiles is very difficult", a source familiar with the matter told the Kyiv Independent.

A launcher from a US Patriot system in the Middle East on 18/5. Photo: US Army

Colonel Yuri Ignat, press secretary of the Ukrainian Air Force Command, admitted on 25/5 that the country is experiencing a severe shortage of "air defense missiles in general". Images he shared with Ukrainian media showed a Patriot launcher in combat readiness with only two missiles, while the remaining 6 launch tubes were empty.

"Russia knows very well how many missiles we have left, even if they cannot know the situation in each province. They are very aware of the amount of weaponry supplied by the West", Colonel Ignat said.

Pham Giang (According to Ukrinform, Kyiv Independent)