MANIPULATION: ZelenskyI stated the ineffectiveness of Patriot systems

Russian Telegram channels are spreading information that the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyi, allegedly stated that the Patriot air defense system is ineffective.

This is manipulation. Zelenskyi did not claim that the Patriot system is ineffective. He explained that using the Patriot system to shoot down Russian KABs is inefficient due to their significantly larger numbers compared to the air defense missiles available. He emphasized that a better option would be to destroy the carriers of these weapons.

On June 30, 2024, Volodymyr Zelenskyi gave an interview to Trudy Rubin, a columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer. In the interview, he mentioned that guided aerial bombs (KABs) remain the main problem for Ukraine: “Everyone understands that the biggest issue today is with KABs and missiles. They are using KABs all over the east, including Kharkiv. It’s very challenging for them, and also in Donbas, including Pokrovsk, Toretsk, and the whole direction there, where thousands are used monthly.”

He further noted that these can be countered with air defense systems, but this is inefficient because the world does not produce as many Patriot missiles as the number of KABs in the Russian army:

“If we consider the cost and quantity of missiles, like Patriot, compared to KABs, we will never have thousands of them per month, and honestly, we won’t even have hundreds of Patriot missiles per month, since each one costs around $3 million. And it’s not just about the money. The fact is, they simply aren’t produced in such quantities. So, the Patriot cannot counter KABs effectively. Any air defense system will win in close range, but in the long run, the Russians will outplay you. You’ll exhaust all your missiles, and then they will hit cities, energy infrastructure, and water supplies, and you’ll lose”.

Towards the end of his response, Zelenskyi adds that an alternative way to counter Russian KABs must be found. This could involve long-range weapons that can target airfields where KAB-carrying aircraft are stationed.

Patriot is one of the best air defense systems in the world, and Ukraine consistently emphasizes their necessity. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the Patriot system has already destroyed over 20 “Kinzhal” missiles launched at Kyiv. 

The Patriot systems are most effective against ballistic missiles, and they can also shoot down cruise missiles, helicopters, aircraft, and drones. However, deploying Patriot systems continuously in frontline areas is highly risky, as the installations would be exposed to enemy fire.