Russia Targets Patriot Battery in Kyiv as Germany Pushes for New U.S. Deal

A Patriot air defense battery in Kyiv was reportedly destroyed this week following coordinated Russian strikes using Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and Iskander-M ballistic systems.

This is according to a report from the Russian Arms Telegram channel. The attack reportedly triggered a secondary explosion, suggesting the presence of stored missiles or interceptors at the site.

Local sources say the destruction caused “serious damage” to Ukraine’s air defense network, leaving it largely unable to intercept incoming threats in the capital. Civil Aviation Plant No. 410, known for assembling kamikaze drones, was also hit during the barrage.

Large fires were reported across the Techdiagaz Scientific and Production Center’s industrial complex and surrounding areas, including the Aviarabotnik garage cooperative. In the Vasylkiv region south of Kiev, warehouses and other installations near the airbase caught fire. Multiple targets in Vasylkiv were hit, and a 9M728 cruise missile—part of the Iskander-K system—was recorded flying at transonic speeds during the assault.

Amid growing pressure on Ukraine’s defenses, Germany is reportedly working on an urgent proposal to finance and transfer two new Patriot systems from the United States. Bild reported that Berlin submitted a formal request to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth weeks ago, though it remains uncertain how this will be affected by Washington’s suspension of certain weapons deliveries.

“The loss of American weaponry cannot be compensated,” said a German government official during a cabinet meeting on July 2, adding that Germany and other European countries are now trying to fill the gap from their own stockpiles.

Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is expected to travel to Washington later this month to meet with U.S. counterparts. “Of course Patriots will also be on the agenda,” a defense ministry spokesperson confirmed to Reuters.

The U.S. has paused the delivery of 30 Patriot missiles under a policy review initiated by President Donald Trump’s administration. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said new aid plans are being drafted to reflect U.S. readiness needs and the “America First” strategy. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence stated it had received no official notice and is seeking clarification from Washington.

As of July 2025, Ukraine reportedly operates eight full Patriot batteries, along with standalone launchers used for augmentation or forming new systems. However, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the country needs at least 25 Patriot batteries to ensure full national coverage. In April, Zelensky had expressed readiness to buy 10 systems for $15 billion.

Raytheon has been making Patriot missile launchers since the early 1980s and has steadily improved their software over the years. The PAC-3 missiles, built by Lockheed Martin, are designed to stop ballistic missiles by hitting them directly in the air. They use special sensors from Boeing that detect nearby threats and enable rapid, last-second trajectory adjustments for precise impact.