Zelensky asks US for Patriot missiles to survive winter

On August 13, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked the United States for a portion of its Patriot missile stockpile to help Ukraine survive the winter. Reports vary on the exact percentage requested, with some saying 5% and others 10%, but the goal is to counter Russian ballistic missile attacks. Zelensky argued that 10% of the US stockpile could stop all Russian missiles, while Russian military sources claimed the requested number would be enough to counter 25 targets. Ukraine is also looking for alternative air defense options due to the shortage of Patriot missiles.