Ukraine’s deteriorating air defense crisis has intensified after the U.S. suspended missile deliveries, with Israeli priorities reportedly influencing the shift in supply. As Russia unleashes record numbers of drones and missiles on Ukrainian cities, especially Kyiv and Kharkiv, officials say halted aid and diverted stockpiles have severely weakened their defensive posture—leaving them exposed in what is expected to be a grueling summer offensive.

During June, Russian forces launched intensified strikes on Ukraine’s major cities, including Kyiv, Odessa, and Kharkiv, targeting both military and civilian infrastructure. According to Ukrainian officials, over 70% of the projectiles fired last month were Shahed drones, causing widespread destruction. The frequency of air raid sirens in the capital has returned to levels not seen since the early days of the war.

Following these attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that without continued American support—particularly deliveries of high-efficiency Patriot missiles—Ukraine’s ability to repel Russia’s aerial onslaught is collapsing.

U.S. Supply Shift Reportedly Linked to Israel’s Security Needs

Ukrainian defense sources told Al Jazeera that recent disruptions in air defense shipments are not merely due to Pentagon stockpile reviews or logistical delays. According to Valeriy Borovyk, a drone manufacturer and defense analyst based in Kyiv, the United States prioritized Israel's security needs throughout June, rerouting some missile deliveries initially bound for Ukraine.

Borovyk claimed that even Patriot missile shipments already in transit were halted in third-party transit countries and redirected to Israel in light of tensions with Iran. “Kiev has become the most dangerous city in Ukraine,” he said, attributing the shift in U.S. attention as a major contributor to Ukraine’s deteriorating aerial defense.

The sense of abandonment is palpable in Kyiv, where Western—especially American—support is seen as critical. Ukrainian officials say their appeals are increasingly falling on deaf ears. Although Germany's foreign minister Johann Vadvol recently pledged to maintain “unwavering focus” on Ukraine, Ukrainian commanders say key support, particularly advanced air defense systems, remains undelivered..

Europe’s Response and Ukraine’s Improvisation

To compensate for the growing gap in aerial defense, Ukraine’s air force has established a new air defense unit equipped with locally developed drone-interceptor systems. Still, the country has suffered recent losses, including the downing of a third F-16 fighter jet, raising alarm over the pace of Western resupply.

While Berlin remains the second-largest donor to Ukraine after Washington, many in Kyiv argue that words of support are no substitute for immediate military deliveries, especially as Russia ramps up its missile and drone production.

War Intensifies, Confidence Shaken

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has hinted at new “effective solutions” under development but declined to elaborate. Meanwhile, Ukrainian security analysts warn that Moscow is preparing for an escalated summer campaign, possibly outpacing Ukraine’s ability to defend or retaliate.

Military expert Ivan Stupak noted that Kyiv is now more vulnerable than ever. “We rely entirely on Western systems. If supplies fall short—whether for political or logistical reasons—Russia will maintain superiority in both volume and reach,” he said.