Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed concern that missiles purchased from the United States with European funding could be redirected to address the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, potentially limiting Ukraine’s ability to defend against Russian strikes.
This comes as Iran ramps up missile and drone activity across the region, straining US and Gulf states’ missile reserves and threatening to limit the flow of systems intended for Ukraine’s defense.
Zelenskyy: "Maybe the Americans will need them, like last year"
In an interview with Corriere della Sera, Zelenskyy said Iran’s recent retaliatory attacks on neighboring countries could affect deliveries of anti-missile systems to Ukraine.
“We rely on the PURL program to buy US weapons with European funds. Maybe the Americans will need them, like last year,” he said, referencing the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict in June 2025 that slowed missile deliveries to Kyiv.
Patriots remain Ukraine's only defense against ballistic missiles
Ukraine depends on Patriot missile systems to intercept Russian ballistic missiles, of which Moscow reportedly launches 70 to 85 per month. The country has alternatives for drones and cruise missiles, but Patriots remain its only defense against ballistic strikes.
With US production limited to a few hundred interceptors annually and global demand rising due to the Middle East crisis, supply is tight.
Europe and US could be "distracted" by Middle East
Zelenskyy stressed that Europe and the US could be distracted by the Middle East, raising the risk that Ukraine’s air defense needs may be deprioritized. “It’s a risk. But I hope the Iran crisis remains a limited operation and does not become a long war,” he said.
The Ukrainian government has been urging European partners since 2022 to maintain consistent support for its air defenses, warning that gaps in missile deliveries have serious consequences as Russia continues a sustained campaign of drone and missile attacks against civilian and critical infrastructure.
