Zelenskyy warns of missile deficit as US shifts focus to Iran
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that a deepening shortage of antimissile systems, exacerbated by the US focus on the Iran conflict, is leaving Ukraine increasingly vulnerable to Russian ballistic strikes. He called for more sanctions and pressure to bring Putin to the negotiating table.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has raised alarm over a growing deficit of antimissile systems, stating that Washington’s prioritisation of the Iran war has contributed to supply gaps that weaken Ukraine’s defence against Russian ballistic missiles. In an interview with CBS News aired Sunday, Zelenskyy said: “We don’t see enough missiles in production in the United States … we have a deficit with antiballistic. This is a big problem.”
Global crisis and diplomatic pause
Zelenskyy warned that the shortage of US missile production could escalate into a global crisis, affecting not only Ukraine but also the Middle East. He said he had sent a letter to the White House and Congress and hoped for a response. He also noted that the shift in US diplomatic attention toward the Middle East had caused pauses in Ukraine‑related negotiations, as American officials prioritised ending the Iran war.
Pressure as path to peace
On prospects for peace with Russia, Zelenskyy said he believed Putin could be brought to the table, but only under sustained international pressure. “I think we need more sanctions. I think we need more pressure,” he said, adding that he was ready to meet Putin directly if the Russian leader were willing, but that tougher sanctions remained a prerequisite.
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