Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Kallas Urges Expiring Air Defence Interceptors Be Sent Ukraine
Ukraine is running short of missiles that help protect cities from attacks.
Kaja Kallas, a senior European Union official, asked countries to give Ukraine air defence interceptors that are about to expire.
She said using them in Ukraine would be better than letting them go unused.
Her comments followed a major Russian attack on Kyiv.
At least 12 people were killed, including one person from India.
Many others were injured, and buildings and civilian infrastructure were damaged.
Ukraine’s president said Russia used drones and ballistic missiles.
The European Union is trying to find more interceptors and help Ukraine develop systems made in Europe.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged countries to transfer soon-to-expire air defence interceptors to Ukraine.
She said air defence is Ukraine’s top priority amid a critical shortage of interceptors.
A Russian overnight assault on Kyiv killed at least 12 people, including an Indian national, and injured more than a dozen.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attack involved jet-powered drones and ballistic missiles.
The European Union is pursuing interceptor purchases and working with Ukraine on European-made air defence systems.
- Who
- Kaja Kallas urged countries holding unused or soon-to-expire air defence interceptors to send them to Ukraine; Russia launched the reported attack, according to Ukrainian officials.
- What
- Kallas called for air defence support as Ukraine faces an interceptor shortage and intensified Russian aerial attacks.
- When
- Kallas made the appeal on Tuesday; the reported attack followed several consecutive days of strikes on Kyiv.
- Where
- The attack hit Kyiv and surrounding areas in Ukraine; Kallas spoke ahead of an informal EU defence ministers’ meeting in Wicklow, Ireland.
- Why
- Ukraine needs more interceptors to protect civilians and infrastructure from drones and ballistic missiles.
- Deaths
- At least 12 people were killed in the reported overnight attack on Kyiv and surrounding areas.
- Injuries
- More than a dozen people were injured, according to the report.
- Air defence need
- Ukraine faces a severe shortage of air defence interceptors, including missiles for Patriot systems.
- Kallas’s appeal
- Countries were urged to transfer unused or soon-to-expire interceptors rather than allow them to go out of service.
- Reported weapons
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attack involved jet-powered drones and ballistic missiles.
- EU response
- The European Union is working with non-EU countries to procure interceptors and cooperating with Ukraine on European-made systems.
- Wider impact
- Russian attacks on Odesa-region export infrastructure have threatened Black Sea shipping routes and disrupted port operations.