Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appealed to the United States and European allies to urgently supply additional Patriot air defence interceptor missiles, saying the systems should be protecting civilians instead of remaining in storage.

The appeal came after Russia launched a large-scale overnight missile and drone assault on multiple Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, leaving at least nine people dead and around 40 injured, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Ukraine Running Short of Patriot Missiles

In a post on X, Zelenskyy said Russia launched 35 missiles, including 27 ballistic missiles, along with 185–190 dronesduring the overnight attack.

He claimed Ukraine was able to intercept only one ballistic missile, attributing the limited defence to the near depletion of the country's Patriot interceptor missile stockpile.

"America and Europe know what we need. Now only a political decision needs to be made. Anti-ballistic missiles should protect people, not lie in warehouses," Zelenskyy said.

Calls for Tougher Sanctions on Russia

The Ukrainian President also urged Western allies to impose additional sanctions on individuals and companies linked to Russia's missile production, defence industry and military supply chain.

He called for stricter measures targeting Russia's oil refining and fuel sectors, arguing that limiting those industries would reduce Moscow's capacity to sustain its military operations.

Zelenskyy further claimed that Russia has increasingly begun deploying jet-powered Shahed drones while adapting its battlefield strategy.

Russia Says Military Targets Were Hit

Russia's Defence Ministry said the overnight strikes targeted Ukraine's military-industrial facilities and logistics centres in Kyiv.

Ukrainian officials, however, maintained that residential areas and civilian infrastructure were also struck during the attacks.

Defence Talks With US Underway

Zelenskyy said he held discussions with Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and senior officials ahead of upcoming diplomatic engagements with the United States.

He expressed hope that Ukraine would receive concrete commitments for additional air defence systems and military assistance in the coming days.

What Is the Patriot Air Defence System?

The Patriot is an advanced US-made air defence system designed to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft.

Each Patriot battery consists of radar systems, launchers, a command centre and interceptor missiles that work together to detect, track and destroy incoming aerial threats.

The system remains one of Ukraine's most important defensive assets as Russia continues its missile and drone campaign against Ukrainian cities.