Media: Zelenskyy fears imminent missile shortage due to Middle East war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that the war in the Middle East could strain Ukraine’s missile supplies, raising concerns about Kyiv’s ability to sustain its defense against Russia.

In an exclusive interview given to the BBC, the leader said he has a “very bad feeling” about the broader impact of the conflict on Ukraine’s war effort. He also pointed to delays in peace negotiations, saying they were being “constantly” postponed and that there was “only one reason” — the war in Iran.

Zelenskyy suggested that Vladimir Putin stands to benefit from an extended conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, as it would divert Western attention and resources away from Ukraine.

"For Putin, a long war in Iran is a plus," he said. "In addition to energy prices, it means the depletion of US reserves, and the depletion of air defence manufacturers. So we [Ukraine] have a depletion of resources."

The Ukrainian leader also warned that shortages of Patriot missile system interceptors are inevitable, describing the issue as a growing challenge for Kyiv. He added that the central question is now “when all the stockpiles in the Middle East will run out.”

Highlighting the scale of the imbalance, Zelenskyy noted that the United States produces roughly 60 to 65 missiles per month, while 803 missiles were used on the first day of the war in Iran.

He had already raised concerns earlier in March about dwindling Patriot missile supplies and called for increased deliveries. As part of a potential solution, Zelenskyy proposed supplying interceptor drones to partners in the Persian Gulf in exchange for additional air defense missiles, as those countries have also come under attack from Iran.

By Nazrin Sadigova