Ukraine running dangerously low on air defense missiles: The Telegraph
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Reports indicate that Ukrainian air defense missiles will be depleted by the end of the month, forcing Kiev to ration its defensive strikes.
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Patriot air defense systems are seen at the Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport, in Jasionka, Poland, on March 25, 2022. (AP)
Ukraine's supply of air defense missiles is running low once again and is expected to run out by the end of March, The Telegraph reported.
According to the British news outlet, Ukrainian air defenses will begin to prioritize targets in aerial attacks rather than trying to defend against all incoming threats. This means that instead of attempting to destroy all incoming Russian missiles, Ukrainians will have to ration their ammunition in vital cities like Odessa.
This comes with the continued destruction of air defense systems and stockpiles in precise Russian strikes, including US-made and supplied Patriot systems and Soviet-era S-300 systems, which make up a significant percentage of Kiev's anti-air capabilities.
A security source informed Sputnik earlier this month that two US-made Patriot systems were destroyed by a Russian Iskander missile defense system attack in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR).
According to early data, the Russian strike damaged an S-300 missile system of Ukrainian soldiers near the town of Pokrovsk in the DPR via Iskander missiles.
"A control analysis has found that captured on the video was not only the S-300, as previously stated, but two of the three vehicles destroyed [by the strike] were the Patriot missile systems," according to the source.
Despite the non-stop massive supplies sent Ukraine's way, its Western backers struggle to keep up with the demands of the conflict, translating to several strategic losses on the battleground for the Ukrainian regime.
Read more: Ukraine loses hundreds of soldiers, equipment, in border-cross attempt
How fragile are Ukraine's defense lines?
Newsweek reported on Thursday, citing military sources, that the recent capture of Avdiivka on February 17, has been followed by the continuous expansion of Russian control along the frontlines.
In fact, Avdiivka has been one of the most important fortified cities under the control of Ukrainian forces, which has prevented Moscow from advancing further in Donetsk.
According to the source, Ukrainian forces are "both outmanned and outgunned along the front." The recent fall of Avdiivka was in part blamed on ammunition shortages. Since then, Russia's expansion has been "incremental" and will likely increase in the short term as long as aid remains stalled in the West.
News of air defense shortages will further compromise Ukrainian defensive lines, as Russia's precise strikes and munition will be able to hit several strategic depots and systems along the frontline.
Read more: Russian Army repels Ukrainian attempts to penetrate territory: MoD
