Iran war threatens weapons supply to Ukraine, Polish FM warns
Photo: Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski (RBC-Ukraine)
The war in Iran is diverting world leaders’ attention from Russia’s aggression and depleting weapons stockpiles that could have been transferred to Ukraine, stated Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, Reuters reports.
Weapons spending and political focus
According to the Polish minister, a large-scale military operation in the Middle East requires massive resources of cruise missiles and air defense systems. This directly limits partners’ ability to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
"What has already been expended definitely will not be available for transfer — or even sale — to Ukraine. This is a sad, but inevitable consequence," Sikorski said.
Beyond the technical aspect, Poland’s minister noted that the conflict is shifting the focus of international politics.
He emphasized that for Poland, as Ukraine’s neighbor, it is critically important that the world does not forget the outcome of the heroic defense of the Ukrainians.
Risks of air defense shortages
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that in the event of a prolonged confrontation in Iran, partners could face shortages of specific weapons.
"If the war is long, Middle Eastern partners will face a shortage of air defense. You see that they are using air defense against Shaheds," the head of state explained.
At the same time, he added that there have been no signals so far of a reduction in PAC-3 missile deliveries to Ukraine.
Context of Western support
Recently, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stressed that Ukraine’s priority remains air defense systems and artillery to protect critical infrastructure from Russian attacks.
In addition, the head of the Alliance clarified the scale of support from the main donor — the United States plans to deliver weapons to Ukraine worth about $625 million as part of upcoming aid packages.
At the same time, political debates continue in the US over the format of assistance. In particular, President Donald Trump has again stated that Ukraine should receive aid in the form of a loan — a position he has repeatedly voiced while criticizing the administration of former President Joe Biden.
