The U.S. and Israel Take Military Action Against Iran, Ukraine Worried About Reduced U.S. Weapons Supply
【Global Times special correspondent in Russia, Xiao Xinxin】 "We may find it difficult to obtain missiles and weapons for protecting our airspace." Ukrainian President Zelensky stated in an interview published by the Italian newspaper "La Stampa" on the 3rd that the military actions of the U.S. and Israel against Iran could put Ukraine in a difficult position, as the U.S. and its Middle Eastern allies may need weapons such as "Patriot" air defense missiles for their own defense.
Ukraine is purchasing U.S. weapons using funds provided by Europe through the "Ukraine Priority Needs List" mechanism. Zelensky mentioned that during the U.S.-Israel strikes against Iran last June, plans to supply relevant missiles to Ukraine were temporarily slowed down. Additionally, on the 2nd, Zelensky told Bloomberg that if Middle Eastern leaders could persuade Russian President Putin to agree to a ceasefire in the war against Ukraine for a month or two weeks, Ukraine would be willing to send its top drone experts to the Middle East to assist in intercepting Iranian drones. He stated that over the past four years, Ukraine has accumulated unique experience in intercepting drones during its conflict with Russia, most of which are manufactured by Iran.
On the 2nd, U.S. "Politico" reported that some European officials are concerned that the U.S.-Israel military strikes against Iran will consume a large number of "Patriot" air defense missiles to counter Iranian attacks, thereby reducing the number of missiles available for Ukraine. The U.S. "Forbes" magazine website also noted on the 2nd that a prolonged conflict between the U.S. and Iran could deplete critical ammunition reserves, which would weaken U.S. military support for Ukraine and be advantageous to Russia.
According to RIA Novosti, Russian presidential spokesman Peskov stated on the 3rd that in the context of U.S. involvement in military actions against Iran, there are currently no signs of any change in the U.S. position regarding negotiations on the Ukraine issue. He also mentioned that the time and place for a new round of talks between Russia, the U.S., and Ukraine are still unclear, and it is currently unlikely to consider holding talks in Abu Dhabi. The Russian "Military Observer" reported on the 3rd that U.S. participation in military actions against Iran may divert its attention and support for Ukraine. Zelensky's claim of intent to assist Middle Eastern countries in defending against Iranian drones and his request for the latter to push for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine indicate that the situation in Ukraine is in a difficult position and hard to maintain.
The U.S. and Israel are conducting military actions against Iran, which may hinder Ukraine's access to critical weapons like Patriot missiles. Ukrainian President Zelensky has raised concerns about the impact of these actions on military support for Ukraine, suggesting a potential reduction in missile supplies. He also proposed sending drone experts to assist Middle Eastern nations in countering Iranian drone threats. European officials are worried about the depletion of U.S. missile stocks affecting Ukraine's defense capabilities.
- Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed concerns about reduced access to weapons due to U.S. military actions against Iran.
- Ukraine is purchasing U.S. weapons using European funds through a priority needs list.
- Zelensky offered to send drone experts to assist Middle Eastern countries against Iranian drones.
- European officials worry that U.S. military actions will deplete missile supplies available to Ukraine.
- Russia has not seen any change in U.S. stance on Ukraine amid U.S. involvement in Iran.