South Korean Patriot Analogs: How Ukraine Could Close The Air Defense Gap

04.09.2026, 16:36 uatv.ua

Russian forces are changing their air attack tactics against Ukraine, making them longer in duration to exhaust the air defense system and strike civilian infrastructure. At the same time, the Kremlin is intensifying its hybrid war against European countries, targeting logistics and defense-industry enterprises that help Kyiv. This was stated by Colonel (Ret.) Vaidotas Malionis, a member of the Association of Lithuanian Colonels, UATV English reports.

He noted that the duration of enemy attacks on Kyiv is reaching record levels, which, ahead of the onset of cold weather, requires Ukraine to urgently find new sources of air defense reinforcement.

“What can be noted is the duration of the strikes. They’re becoming very long. I believe 28 hours was the record when there were attacks on Kyiv. And they [the Russians] are inventing new methods of exhausting air defense. Their target isn’t just infrastructure, but civilians themselves. Since winter is already approaching, it’s very important for Ukraine to have good air defense,” Malionis emphasized.

Speaking about the shortage of ballistic interception systems, the speaker pointed to potential alternative arms markets, singling out South Korea as the main promising region.

“We now know there are major shortcomings, and it’s especially difficult for you to counter ballistic missiles. But there are ways out, and they need to be sought. For example, South Korea manufactures very good air defense, they have analogs that work like Patriot. Since North Korea is now helping Russia and supplying it not only with weapons but with manpower, such options should also be explored,” Malionis said.

The colonel (ret.) emphasized that Russia does not dare enter direct military confrontation with NATO, but is actively operating in the “gray zone.”

“Russia currently doesn’t dare cross the line of Article 5, but in the ‘gray zone’ they’re playing and will keep playing. They’re targeting our facilities, especially those producing weapons for Ukraine, and logistics centers. We’re seeing an increase in hybrid attacks — arson, sabotage. Professional drones with munitions were found in Leipzig, there was a fire at a defense-industry enterprise in Estonia, and earlier in Germany an assassination attempt on the head of the Rheinmetall concern was prevented,” he recalled.

According to Malionis, the surge in sabotage activity is explained by the fact that the Kremlin views the European rear as a direct threat to its aggression.

“All of this is increasing, since Russia views Europe as a rear area that’s dangerous for it, in the sense that it’s helping Ukraine with weapons, training servicemembers, and all other kinds of assistance,” the speaker summarized.

Earlier, the Center for Countering Disinformation reported that Russia’s hybrid operations could become more direct and violent, and that European countries need to be prepared for possible acts of sabotage on their own territory.

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