Ukraine’s air defence at risk as U.S.–Europe tensions threaten missile supplies

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that a deepening confrontation between the United States and European countries could undermine Ukraine’s air defence capabilities.

Speaking during an online briefing with journalists on Tuesday attended by European Pravda, Zelenskyy said Ukraine currently has missile stocks for its air defence systems, but future deliveries of interceptors, particularly those needed to counter ballistic missiles, depend on purchases made in the U.S. by European partners through the PURL programme.

PURL is a mechanism under which European countries finance the production and delivery of US-made weapons for Ukraine, including Patriot interceptor missiles. The United States is the sole producer of PAC-3 interceptors, currently the only effective missiles against ballistic threats, and Europe has no alternative capability for this type of interception. Any suspension of European contributions under PURL would therefore risk delaying or disrupting supplies to Ukraine.

“When it comes to ballistic missiles, the key today is held solely by the United States of America. For further supplies to arrive on time, it is essential that PURL continues to function and that partners help us purchase the necessary missiles,” Zelenskyy said.

“At present, nothing works against ballistic missiles other than PAC-3 interceptors for Patriot systems,” he added. According to the Ukrainian president, any escalation of disputes between the United States and Europe would directly weaken Ukraine’s ability to repel Russian attacks.

“A great deal of Ukrainians’ security depends on unity between Europe and America,” Zelenskyy said.

Earlier, European Pravda reported that tensions related to Greenland could have negative consequences for Ukraine’s Air Defence Forces, primarily due to a possible suspension of European contributions to the PURL programme.

Zelenskyy stressed that the sums involved in purchasing air defence missiles are significant. He noted that Russia’s latest attack alone required interceptor missiles worth around €80 million, previously financed by Ukraine’s partners for procurement for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

It has also been reported that the Pentagon has signed an agreement to triple the production of Patriot missiles. Prior to this, Zelenskyy said Ukraine intends to order 27 Patriot air defence systems from the United States.

Cautious optimism for peace

Meanwhile, the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, Kyrylo Budanov, said that Ukraine is moving towards resolving the war with Russia, although the process remains complex and dependent on multiple factors.

Speaking at an economic forum in Davos, in remarks broadcast by the Associated Press, Budanov described the conflict as “the bloodiest and most horrific event in Europe since the Second World War”.

“We are moving forward, but it would not be true to speak of guaranteed peace tomorrow,” he said. Budanov underlined that substantial efforts are being made by both Ukraine and the United States. “Whether I like it or not, there is movement, and we are indeed moving,” he said, adding that near-term success largely depends on Russia’s position.

“We know who we are dealing with. Restrained optimism is the term that most accurately describes the current situation,” Budanov concluded, expressing hope that Ukraine is genuinely on a path towards peace.

On 18 January, Zelenskyy said Ukraine and the US were working on documents necessary to end the war. Another round of consultations between Ukrainian and U.S. representatives on ending the conflict is expected to take place on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

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Sources: European pravda, Suspilne

Caption: A handout picture made available by the press service of the 65th Separate Mechanised Brigade of Ukrainian Armed Forces shows the air defense crew preparing the antenna to control an interceptor drone on their position in the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, 08 October 2025, amid the ongoing Russian invasion. Ukrainian interceptor drones work against different Russian drones the such as reconnaissance drones, FPV, and others, which are the main threat to military and civilians on the territory close to the frontline. EPA/Press service of the 65th Mechanized Brigade