Zelensky: Middle East War Threatens Ukraine’s Missile Supplies

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that the Middle East conflict could create a shortage of missiles for Ukraine’s fight against Russia, as US resources are being diverted. He urged US President Trump and UK leader Sir Keir Starmer to coordinate their positions, stressing the need for Western unity. Zelensky highlighted that rising energy prices and depleted missile stockpiles benefit Russia, and he called for continued international support to keep the focus on Ukraine despite the Middle East crisis.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed serious concerns that his country may soon face a shortage of missiles used in its ongoing conflict with Russia, a situation he attributes to the escalating war in the Middle East. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Zelensky explained that Russian President Vladimir Putin sees the broader conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran as an opportunity to weaken Kyiv. According to Zelensky, the prolonged war in the Middle East diverts critical US resources away from supporting Ukraine, thereby giving Moscow a strategic advantage.
Zelensky also addressed the position of US President Donald Trump, noting that he is not actively taking a side in the Russia-Ukraine war and is instead pursuing a cautious approach to avoid provoking Putin. Zelensky urged Trump and UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to meet and find common ground, highlighting the importance of coordination among Western leaders, especially after Trump’s repeated criticism of the UK prime minister.
The Middle East conflict, now in its third week, has spread across the Gulf, with Iran retaliating against neighboring states in response to strikes carried out by the US and Israel. Zelensky described his concern over the potential impact of this conflict on Ukraine, explaining that peace negotiations have been continually postponed because of the war in Iran. He emphasized that the situation ultimately benefits Putin, as rising global energy prices provide economic advantages to Russia, while the consumption of missiles and air defense resources by other countries leaves Ukraine facing shortages.
Zelensky warned specifically about a likely deficit of Patriot missiles, describing it as a significant challenge for Ukraine’s defense capabilities. He noted that the United States produces approximately 60 to 65 missiles per month, which translates to roughly 700 to 800 missiles annually. By comparison, he highlighted that on the first day of the Middle East conflict alone, 803 missiles were reportedly used, illustrating the strain on global missile supplies and the potential impact on Ukraine’s ongoing defense operations.
In discussing the US stance on the war, Zelensky stated that President Trump appears to want an end to the conflict in Ukraine but has chosen a strategy that focuses on maintaining close communication with Putin. According to Zelensky, this approach is intended to avoid aggravating the Russian president, a stark contrast to Europe’s approach, which he suggested has irritated Putin and complicated diplomatic engagement.
The war in the Middle East, triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has also sparked diplomatic tensions among Western leaders. Zelensky cautioned against divisions, stressing the need for unity. He recommended a meeting between Trump and Starmer to “re-load the relationship” and ensure a coordinated approach toward the crisis. Trump, in turn, has criticized Starmer, describing him as “no Winston Churchill” and expressing disappointment despite calling him a “nice man.” In response, Sir Keir Starmer has insisted that the United Kingdom will not be drawn into a wider conflict while reaffirming the enduring nature of the US-UK relationship.
During his visit to London on Tuesday, Zelensky met with Sir Keir at Downing Street as part of a broader European tour that included Paris last week and a scheduled trip to Madrid. During his visit, he addressed members of Parliament, emphasizing that the focus must remain on Ukraine despite the attention being drawn to the Middle East. Zelensky characterized the regimes in Russia and Iran as “brothers in hatred,” warning that such regimes, built on hostility, should never be allowed to threaten Europe or its partners.
Among those present in the parliamentary audience were Sir Keir, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Defence Secretary John Healey, and leaders of opposition parties. Zelensky used the platform to urge global leaders to continue supporting Ukraine while resisting the influence and aggression of hostile regimes. He underscored the urgency of maintaining international solidarity and ensuring that the conflict in the Middle East does not overshadow the ongoing struggle to defend Ukraine against Russia’s full-scale invasion.