Zelenskyy reveals how Middle East conflict has hit Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: Getty Images)
The war in the Middle East has negatively affected military and financial support for Ukraine. In particular, Kyiv received only 12 Patriot interceptor missiles per month from the United States throughout 2026, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Ukrainian leader said the conflict in the Middle East affected the entire world. He identified the situation around the Strait of Hormuz as a cause of global energy problems. At the same time, the war in the region is also affecting support for Ukraine.
The president noted that throughout 2026, Ukraine had received 12 Patriot missiles per month from the United States. He linked these limited deliveries to the war in the Middle East.
Zelenskyy explained that Ukraine's air defense needs far exceed these amounts.
He stressed that even if Ukraine receives 150 American interceptor missiles a year, it must contend with approximately 150 ballistic missiles per month.
"I think this answers many different questions," Zelenskyy said, commenting on the missile supply situation.
He also acknowledged that Ukraine's agreements with other countries had affected the number of Patriot missiles available to Kyiv. At the same time, the president stressed that Ukraine tries to negotiate additional anti-ballistic missile deliveries with its partners.
However, these deliveries require US approval. Zelenskyy explained that they are impossible without the signature of US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
Zelenskyy calls situation a serious challenge
The president also pointed to several issues that have arisen simultaneously in relations with the United States. These include Starlink and Starshield, intelligence sharing, supplies of interceptor missiles to counter Russian ballistic attacks, and arrangements involving Russian diesel fuel.
According to Zelenskyy, these issues together have created a difficult situation for Ukraine.
"We understand where this is heading. 'Home Alone' is the next installment. This is a challenge, a difficult challenge," the president stressed.
Zelenskyy emphasized that the situation in the Middle East is also highly significant for Ukraine. He said Ukraine had helped regional partners at their request.
"Ukraine can only help there, which is what we did when we were asked to assist with bases where American citizens are present in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other countries. But it is important that the crisis there comes to an end," he emphasized.
Intel sharing with US resumed
Zelenskyy separately announced that Ukraine and the United States had resumed intelligence sharing.
The president thanked the American partners who had contributed to the decision.
"We are grateful to our American partners—everyone who made this happen: President Donald Trump, the military, and everyone who helped," he concluded.
As previously reported, Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said that the Patriot missiles used in the Middle East could have been enough for several years of combat operations in Ukraine. He added that Ukrainian forces have learned to use these interceptors more efficiently.
In addition, Zelenskyy earlier warned that Russia could intensify its ballistic missile attacks while Ukraine faces a shortage of interceptors.
