Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Ukraine may face a shortage of missiles needed for its war against Russia as the conflict in the Middle East continues to grow. He said the fighting is pulling attention and military resources away from Kyiv at a time when Ukraine still depends heavily on Western air defence support.
In an interview, Zelensky said Russian President Vladimir Putin benefits from a prolonged war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran because it weakens Ukraine’s position. According to Zelensky, the longer the crisis in the Middle East continues, the more likely it is that US stockpiles and defence production will be stretched, leaving Ukraine with fewer critical resources.
He said the situation leaves him with a “very bad feeling,” arguing that efforts toward peace in Ukraine are being repeatedly pushed back because international attention has shifted to Iran and the wider Middle East conflict.
Patriot Missile Supplies Seen as a Major Concern
Zelensky said Ukraine would “definitely” face a shortage of Patriot missiles, describing it as a serious challenge for the country’s defence. He pointed to the pace at which missiles are being used in the Middle East and suggested that the current question is how long available stockpiles there will last before the effects are felt elsewhere.
He also highlighted the scale of US production, saying America manufactures around 60 to 65 missiles per month, or roughly 700 to 800 per year. Zelensky contrasted that with the reported use of 803 missiles on the first day of the Middle East war, using the comparison to show how rapidly reserves can be consumed during a major regional conflict.
For Kyiv, that means the war beyond its borders is no longer only a diplomatic concern. It is also becoming a direct military problem that could affect Ukraine’s ability to defend itself from Russian attacks.
Zelensky Questions Trump’s Approach to the War
Zelensky also commented on US President Donald Trump’s stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He said he did not believe Trump was firmly on either side and suggested the American president wants to act as a negotiator rather than openly align himself with Kyiv against Moscow.
According to Zelensky, Trump appears determined to end the war, but he and his advisers have chosen to maintain a close line of dialogue with Putin. Zelensky suggested that part of that strategy is aimed at avoiding confrontation with the Kremlin, especially after Putin’s tensions with European leaders.
At the same time, Zelensky urged Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to meet and rebuild common ground. He said stronger coordination among Western leaders is essential and warned against divisions at a time when the war in Ukraine risks being pushed aside by events in the Middle East.
UK Visit Highlights Concern Over Shifting Global Focus
Zelensky made the remarks during a visit to London, where he met Starmer and later addressed MPs in Parliament. The visit followed meetings in Paris and came just before a scheduled trip to Madrid, underscoring his effort to keep Ukraine high on the agenda of European capitals.
Starmer said it was important that attention remain fixed on Ukraine despite the widening war in the Middle East. Zelensky echoed that concern, warning that any reduction in focus, weapons deliveries, or political unity would directly benefit Russia.
In Parliament, Zelensky said the regimes in Russia and Iran were closely linked through hostility and weapons cooperation. He argued that countries built on hatred should not be allowed to threaten Europe or its allies, reinforcing his message that the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East are increasingly connected.
A Wider War With Direct Consequences for Ukraine
Zelensky’s comments reflect a growing fear in Kyiv that the conflict in the Middle East is doing more than shifting headlines. In his view, it is raising energy prices, consuming missile stockpiles, complicating diplomacy, and creating new strategic advantages for Moscow.
As Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russia’s full-scale invasion, Zelensky is warning that a longer regional war elsewhere could make that task even harder by draining the very weapons Ukraine needs most.