Background
Ukraine borders Russia and was occupied and served as a puppet state until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. The US and Ukraine maintain bilateral relations as the US attached great importance to the successful transition of Ukraine to a democratic, prosperous, and stable state.
In 2014, Russia invaded Ukraine and annexed Crimea disregarding Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty and international law.[i] In response, the U.S. and Western allies imposed sanctions on Russia and the U.S. increased its military presence in Europe.
In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in an attempt to replace the government in Kyiv with a Moscow-leaning regime. Since the invasion, dozens of countries have sent military aid, including the shipment of ballistic and defense missile systems.
Ukraine’s Ballistic Missile Defense Capabilities
| System | Operator | Number Deployed | Platform | |
| S-300P | Ukraine | Unknown | Road-mobile |  |
| MGM-140 ATACMS | Ukraine | Unknown | Road-mobile |  |
Ukraine’s Air Defense Capabilities
| System | Role | Number Deployed | Country of Origin | |
| Buk-M1/M2 | Road-mobile, medium-range air defense | Unknown | Russia (the Soviet Union) |  |
| 2K12 Kub (SA-6 Gainful) | Road-mobile, short-range air defense | Unknown | Russia (the Soviet Union) |  |
| 9K33 Osa (SA-8 Gecko) | Road-mobile, short-range air defense | Unknown | Russia (the Soviet Union) |  |
| S-200 (SA-5 Gammon) | Long-range air defense | Unknown | Russia (the Soviet Union) |  |
| S-300 (PMU1/V1/V2; SA-10 Grumble) | Road-mobile, long-range air defense | Unknown | Russia | |
| Tor-M1 | Road-mobile, short-range air defense | Unknown | Russia (the Soviet Union) |  |
| 9K35 Strela-10 (SA-13 Gopher) | Road-mobile, short-range air defense | Unknown | Russia (the Soviet Union) |  |
Current Developments
In May of 2013 NATO stated that Ukraine has made it known that they had a clear interest in the future development of NATO’s anti-ballistic missile system despite Russia’s opposition, and in May of 2015 Ukraine once again made it known that they were open to considering proposals to place a ballistic missile defense system on its territory.[ii]
In January 2017, Ukraine was gradually restoring its ‘missile shield’ by preparing missile for mass production and resuming production of rocket artillery.[iii] Just a year later, in January 2018, Ukraine has announced it is developing a new ground-launched cruise missile.[iv]
In May 2018, the United States confirmed that it sent a Javelin anti-tank missile system to Ukraine. Later that same month, Ukraine tested the system and emphasized that it would only be used if provoked by other nations.
Recent News
- European nations with Patriot missiles hesitate to give the air defense systems to Ukraine
- NATO secretary-general says some allies have air defense systems they could give to Ukraine
- In Ukraine, the vote to renew U.S. aid was cheered. But unease for the future remains
- The world must help Ukraine ensure that every Russian missile is intercepted - Zelenskyy
References
[i] http://carnegieendowment.org/2014/03/13/russia-s-real-aims-in-crimea-pub-54914
[ii] https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-it-wants-a-missile-shield-to-protect-against-russian-aggression/2015/05/20/bcaf74f2-feec-11e4-8c77-bf274685e1df_story.html?utm_term=.065190b6ed2e
[iii] https://112.international/article/ukrainian-missile-shield-is-it-pr-or-investment-in-defense-12935.html
[iv] https://www.unian.info/politics/2336828-ukraine-to-develop-new-ground-launched-cruise-missile-media.html
