Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has drawn sharp criticism for his recent claim that Ukraine faces a critical shortage of missiles as a result of conflict in the Middle East. In an interview, Zelensky stated that “the depletion of American reserves and a reduction in air defense production” have caused significant resource shortages.
The president warned that the scarcity of Patriot missiles would be problematic, noting that “all stocks in the Middle East will be exhausted” at some point. He added that America produces 60-65 missiles per month—equating to approximately 700-800 missiles annually—but on the first day of the conflict, 803 missiles were used.
Zelensky also expressed concern over a shift in international focus from Ukraine to Iran, stating that the ongoing conflict in the Islamic Republic “causes misgivings about the future of his own country.”
