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Ukraine faces missile deficit amid Middle East tensions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Ukraine will soon confront a critical shortage of missiles due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, which is redirecting U.S. military resources away from Kyiv's war effort.
Putin benefits from prolonged Middle East war, Zelensky says
In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Zelensky stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is deliberately prolonging the Middle East crisis to weaken Ukraine. He argued that the conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran serves Moscow's interests by depleting American stockpiles and straining defense manufacturers.
"For Putin, a long war in Iran is a plus," Zelensky said. "It drives up energy prices, exhausts U.S. reserves, and drains air defense production. That leaves Ukraine with fewer resources."
Missile production gap raises concerns
The Ukrainian leader highlighted the stark disparity between U.S. missile production and consumption rates. While American factories produce 60-65 Patriot missiles monthly-roughly 700-800 annually-the first day of the Middle East conflict alone saw 803 missiles fired.
"There will definitely be a deficit of Patriot missiles," Zelensky warned. "The question is when Middle Eastern stockpiles will run dry."
Trump's neutrality in Ukraine war criticized
Zelensky also addressed U.S. President Donald Trump's stance on the Ukraine-Russia war, asserting that Trump avoids taking sides to avoid provoking Putin. "He wants to end the war, but his strategy is to engage Putin directly rather than challenge him," Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian president urged Trump and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to meet and align their positions, despite Trump's recent criticism of Starmer as "no Winston Churchill."
Western unity urged amid diplomatic tensions
Speaking after talks with Starmer at Downing Street, Zelensky emphasized the need for Western leaders to maintain a united front. "I wouldn't tell Trump what to do, but he and Starmer should meet to 'reload' their relationship," he said.
Starmer, who hosted Zelensky in London this week, reiterated the UK's commitment to Ukraine but stressed that Britain would not be drawn into a broader conflict. "Our focus must remain on Ukraine," he stated.
Zelensky's European tour overshadowed by Middle East crisis
The Ukrainian president's visits to Paris, London, and Madrid come as global attention shifts to the Middle East, now in its third week of escalation. Iran's retaliatory strikes against neighboring states have further complicated Ukraine's efforts to secure military support.
Addressing UK lawmakers, Zelensky condemned the regimes in Moscow and Tehran as "brothers in hatred" and called for their defeat. "We want no such regime to threaten Europe or our partners," he declared.
