Ukraine Has Already Struck 12 Russian Ballistic Missile Launchers, Defense Minister Reveals

Ukrainian forces have struck 12 launchers inside Russia as part of efforts to counter Moscow’s ballistic missile attacks, Ukrainian Defense Minister Yevhenii Khmara revealed during talks with his Dutch counterpart, Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense on November 13.

The two ministers discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses, securing additional Patriot interceptor missiles, and expanding support for Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets, with military assistance priorities for 2027 also on the agenda.

“We are acting asymmetrically. We have already struck 12 launchers on Russian territory. This is one of our ways of countering enemy ballistic missile strikes. Ukrainian Defense Forces are also striking Russian enterprises that manufacture components for Russian weapons. As a result, Russia’s production capabilities in this area are already shrinking,” Khmara said.

Despite these operations, the defense minister emphasized that Ukraine continues to face a critical shortage of interceptor missiles needed to defend against Russian aerial attacks.

To address the problem, the two ministers discussed a potential arrangement under which Ukraine could receive Patriot missiles from partner countries' existing stockpiles in exchange for future deliveries that have already been contracted.

Read more

Category

War in Ukraine

Why Are Russian Ballistic Missiles So Hard for Ukraine to Stop?

Nov 12, 2026 15:48

Another major focus was strengthening Ukraine’s fleet of F-16 fighter jets, which play an important role in defending Ukrainian cities and civilians against Russian air attacks.

Khmara acknowledged the Netherlands' leadership in the international fighter jet coalition supporting Ukraine. The ministers also discussed ways to improve maintenance of Ukraine’s F-16s to strengthen their operational capabilities.

During the conversation, Khmara thanked the Netherlands for its recently announced winter military assistance package, which Ukrainian forces are already using to protect civilians and military personnel.

Both sides also agreed to coordinate efforts to develop joint defense enterprises and increase deliveries of equipment for Ukrainian troops as they prepare their military cooperation priorities for 2027.

Previously, Khmara reported that as of mid-October, Ukraine has struck eight Russian ballistic missile launchers since the beginning of September, destroying three and damaging five others.

The attacks have already forced Russian forces to cancel or alter planned missile strikes against Ukrainian cities, disrupting Moscow’s ability to carry out ballistic attacks.

Protect Ukrainian Skies

Subscribe to Sky Defense