Ukraine faces missile shortage due to Middle East war, says Zelensky

Ukraine faces missile shortage due to Middle East war, says Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concern about a potential shortfall in missile supplies essential for Ukraine’s defense against Russia, attributing this issue to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. In an exclusive discussion with the BBC, Zelensky highlighted that Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks to prolong hostilities among the US, Israel, and Iran, aiming to divert American resources and weaken Kyiv’s position.

Zelensky further mentioned that former US President Donald Trump maintains a neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, striving to avoid antagonizing Putin. The Ukrainian leader encouraged a meeting between Trump and UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to bridge differences, especially after Trump’s recurrent criticisms of the UK prime minister. According to Zelensky, such dialogue is crucial to restore unity among Western allies facing complex global challenges.

Regarding the Middle East, Zelensky described his “very bad feeling” about how the regional conflict might affect Ukraine’s struggle. He pointed out that ongoing disputes, especially involving Iran, delay peace negotiations and inadvertently benefit Putin by driving up energy prices and straining US military stockpiles. Zelensky emphasized the risk of a shortage of Patriot missiles, explaining that while America manufactures about 60-65 missiles monthly, the Middle Eastern conflict’s first day alone saw the usage of 803 missiles, far exceeding production rates.

During his visit to London, where he met with Sir Keir Starmer and addressed Members of Parliament, Zelensky reflected on the close ties between the regimes in Russia and Iran, describing them as “brothers in hatred” who share weapons and hostility toward Europe and its partners. He highlighted Ukraine’s pioneering role in modern warfare and expressed hope that the country’s military experience could be shared to strengthen allied defenses. Amid geopolitical tensions, Zelensky urged Western leaders to maintain focus on Ukraine, despite distractions from the Middle East conflict

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