Why Ukraine openly speaks about air defense missile shortages: Ihnat explains
Ukraine makes no secret of its air defense missile shortage, as the enemy already possesses ballpark figures on supplies and expenditure. Yurii Ihnat explains that such communication is vital for both the public and international partners.
Air defense missile shortage / © TSN
Yurii Ihnat, Head of the Communications Department of the Ukrainian Air Force Command, shared why Ukraine openly discusses the air defense missile deficit and does not keep it classified from the enemy during an interview with Radio NV.
Why Ukraine does not hide air defense missile deficit
Yuriy Ihnat explained the reasoning behind Ukraine’s openness regarding the shortage of air defense missiles. He said that such a deficit occurs periodically, as the Russians launch relentless missile strikes against Ukraine.
The missile deficit requires constant replenishment. The assistance provided to Ukraine by its partners in this regard falls short.
Furthermore, the enemy is already aware of the estimated number of missiles Ukraine receives from its partners and expends during attacks:
«This is why this communication is pursued. Many have said: „Why are you disclosing this? Russia sees that we are out of missiles.“ Russia knows perfectly well how many missiles we have—perhaps not down to the exact region, but regarding the volumes supplied by the West, believe me, the Russians are well-informed,» said Yurii Ihnat.
He added that such communication is now essential, as the public must understand that Ukraine is operating under a critical shortage of missiles.
While Ukraine works to establish its own production of surface-to-air guided missiles, it relies on regular Western supplies. Partners must be constantly reminded of this, and it must be done publicly at all levels.
«We have even repeatedly recorded messages from Patriot operators. And they appealed, saying that we have the system, we have an operational radar, and we’ve mastered its operation better than anyone else in the world. … Therefore, our fighters, operators, and Heroes of Ukraine are appealing: help us, we need to restore our capabilities after such mass strikes,» Ihnat said.