Ukraine's interception rate for Russian missiles drops from 90% to 70%

A Russian ballistic missile and drone barrage across Ukraine overnight killed at least 10 civilians, including children. Ukraine's air force said it intercepted 55 missiles and 265 drones, but has struggled to stop the advanced ballistic missiles Russia is increasingly deploying.

Patrick Bury, a former British Army captain and senior associate professor in warfare and counter-terrorism at the University of Bath, said the average interception rate for Russian missiles has dropped from roughly 90% in March to 70-75%, sometimes lower.

Experts say the decline reflects both improvements in Russian missile technology and mounting pressure on Ukraine's air defence stockpiles. Decisions by Western allies on further air defence supplies will be closely watched in the coming weeks.