Since the beginning of March, Russia has launched 130 missiles, over 320 attack drones, and nearly 900 guided aerial bombs targeting Ukrainian civilians, President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on March 19.
Throughout March, these Russian attacks have claimed civilian lives across various regions in Ukraine, including Sumy, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv. An attack on Odesa on March 16 resulted in more than 20 fatalities and over 70 injuries.
"Every day and every night, Russia is waging a terrorist war against our people, against ordinary cities and villages of Ukraine, using drones, missiles, and guided bombs," Zelensky stated on X.
Despite Ukraine's ability to intercept these attacks, Zelensky emphasized the urgent need for more protection. He argued that air defense systems like the Patriots "should do what they were created for, which is to protect lives, and not gather dust in storage."
According to a report by The Washington Post, citing Western officials, Ukraine's air defense system munitions are depleting rapidly and could run out by the end of March.
Initially capable of intercepting four out of every five incoming missiles, the munition shortage may force Ukraine to reduce its defense efforts to targeting only one out of every five missiles, as per one official.
With its munition reserves dwindling and a crucial U.S. aid bill for Ukraine stalled in Congress due to partisan disputes, Ukraine faces mounting pressure. Despite efforts from the White House and Congressional members, the bill, proposing $60 billion in aid for Ukraine, has been delayed for months.
