Ukraine Gains US Missile Interceptors While Deploying New Long‑Range Rockets

U.S. officials said the NATO‑run PURL programme is accelerating deliveries of missile‑intercept systems, including PAC‑3 interceptors, to Ukraine to counter Russian ballistic attacks. NATO allies and Canada are providing the financing, and the United States affirmed that shipments are already arriving.

At the same time, Ukrainian officials claim the armed forces have begun operating newly‑developed long‑range rockets with an estimated range of 850 km and warheads up to 800 kg, capable of striking deep targets inside Russia such as a refinery. Former defence minister Prof. Todor Tagarev cited successful hits on targets more than 1,300 km away and warned that continued Western support and sanctions are essential for sustaining Ukraine’s counter‑offensive.

Both sources note that Russia’s recent territorial gains are limited and come at a high cost, with heavy casualties reported on both sides.