Ignat identified the main threat during the Russian Federation’s latest attack
Ballistic missiles remain the main threat during Russia’s new large-scale attack on Ukraine. Yuriy Ignat, head of the Communications Department of the Ukrainian Air Force, stated that Ukraine needs more interceptor missiles for its Patriot systems, which are capable of shooting down such targets. His remarks came amid a warning from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Russia is preparing for a new large-scale attack.
According to Yuriy Ignat, ballistic missiles are currently one of the most difficult challenges for Ukraine’s air defense. Such missiles travel at extremely high speeds. As a result, once they are launched, defenders may have only a few minutes to respond. “Of course, ballistic missile strikes are a weak point for us today. I understand that the capital is suffering the most. But other regions are as well. Look: Odesa, Dnipro, and Kharkiv are also under constant attack, just like the frontline regions,” Ignat said. Thus, the problem is not limited to Kyiv. Ballistic missiles can be used to strike various regions of Ukraine, particularly major cities.
What Missiles Is Russia Using?
Ignat noted that Russia is using several types of missiles that follow a ballistic trajectory. Among them, he mentioned the “Iskander-M,” the KN-23, S-400 missiles, and the “Zircon.”
Separately, the Air Force representative explained that Russian troops can combine different types of ballistic weapons during a single strike. For example, Russia uses the “Iskander-M” as well as missiles from the S-400 systems, which it employs to strike ground targets. According to Ignat, it is precisely these missiles that are among the targets that are difficult to intercept with other air defense systems.
Ukraine Needs Missiles for the Patriot System
To defend against ballistic missiles, Ukraine uses American Patriot systems. But the systems alone are not enough. They require a stockpile of interceptor missiles to operate effectively.
Ignat emphasized that Ukraine needs to receive more of these munitions from its partners. At the same time, developing domestic production remains a key priority. Missiles are needed not only during actual attacks; they are also required for training military personnel, conducting tests, and maintaining the launchers themselves. Therefore, a large stockpile of interceptors is needed at all times, not just immediately before an expected attack.
Russia is preparing a new massive strike
Ignat’s remarks came after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Russia was preparing a new massive strike against Ukraine. On September 23, Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian intelligence had relevant information. The president made this statement following a conversation with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine is also working to strengthen its air defense ahead of winter. One area of focus is increasing the number of interceptor missiles for the Patriot system and expanding their production in Ukraine. The day before, the president also discussed with U.S. senators Ukraine’s need for systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. Zelenskyy stated that it is currently impossible to fully replace U.S. Patriot systems with other systems.
Why the Patriot is Important for Ukraine
The Patriot is one of the key systems in Ukraine’s air defense, specifically for countering ballistic targets. During Russia’s massive attacks, the enemy often uses various types of weapons simultaneously. These can include strike drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.
Such tactics place an additional burden on Ukraine’s air defense system. Defenders must simultaneously respond to targets with varying speeds, altitudes, and flight paths. That is why, according to Ukrainian officials, it is important not only to increase the number of air defense systems but also to have sufficient ammunition for them.
Ukraine is working on its own interceptors
At the same time, Ukraine is trying to develop its own production of air defense systems. On September 22, Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine and the U.S. are working to launch production of interceptor missiles for the Patriot system in Ukraine. Ukraine is also negotiating with European partners to strengthen its air defense capabilities. In particular, discussions with France have focused on additional SAMP/T systems and their missiles, as well as the joint FREYJA anti-ballistic missile program.
This is particularly important for Ukraine as winter approaches, when Russia traditionally attempts to launch massive strikes against cities and energy infrastructure. At the same time, the specific timing and scale of a possible new Russian strike have not been officially announced. Therefore, the Ukrainian military continues to prepare for various scenarios, and one of the main priorities remains strengthening defenses against ballistic missiles.
Klitschko also reported damage to the capital’s civilian and transportation infrastructure. The consequences of the attack and the number of casualties may be subject to further clarification.
Separately, a fire was reported at the “Shayba” market near the train station. According to Ukrzaliznytsia, the station building was not damaged.
Amid the strikes, passengers were urged to avoid Ukrzaliznytsia facilities.
Due to the heightened air threat, Kyiv City Express service was temporarily suspended in both directions this morning. “Ukrzaliznytsia” also reported that one of its employees was injured while returning home after his shift.
In addition, a Ukrnafta gas station in Kyiv was completely destroyed following a Russian attack.
