Ammunition for Ukraine’s vital air defense system is at risk of running out within weeks, according to leaked Pentagon documents.
Concerns are now rising that Russia may act.
A large amount of classified documents from US intelligence services have been published on social media. Many of the documents deal with the war in Ukraine, including information that NATO and the US are planning to help Ukraine with an offensive.
One of the documents has information about a possible ammunition shortage for Ukraine’s air defense, reports New York Times. So far, the country’s air defenses have proven surprisingly effective in defending the country from Russian attacks and preventing Russia from gaining control of Ukraine’s airspace.
The information suggests that Ukraine’s stockpile of Soviet-era S-300 and Buk anti-aircraft missiles, Ukraine’s main anti-aircraft weapons, could be completely depleted by mid-April or early May. The document was issued on February 28 and it is unclear whether the assessment has changed.
Russia can act
In the event that the stockpile reaches critically low levels, it could, according to Pentagon officials, lead to Vladimir Putin deciding to send Russian fighter and bomber aircraft into the country. American General Philip Breedlove told the New York Times that “Russia is still a little afraid to fly into Ukraine because of the ammunition”, which is now slowly running out.
Military officials believe that Kiev will demand much more than what has already been sent from Western nations in terms of ammunition.
Ukraine’s air force said last Easter that key Western air defense systems, including the much-anticipated Patriot missiles, will arrive in the country soon.