President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concern that Ukraine's access to US-made weapons, including patriot anti-ballistic missiles, is at risk due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. In an interview published by CNN on 22/4, Zelensky explained that Ukraine acquires these armaments through the Ukraine Priority Request List (PURL) program, where NATO member countries purchase critical equipment for Kyiv. He noted that neighboring European countries do not possess these systems, making Ukraine reliant on this supply channel. "All these weapon packages are at risk due to the significant challenges posed by the Middle East conflict," Zelensky stated.

President Zelensky speaks in Rome, Italy on 15/4. *Photo: AP*

The Ukrainian leader revealed that the country receives a limited quantity of weapons because US production capacity is also constrained. While the supply has not been interrupted and Washington continues to share intelligence with Kyiv, Zelensky warned of potential future difficulties. "It would not be good if the conflict continues or a ceasefire is delayed. Perhaps we will face more risks in our efforts to counter ballistic weapons," President Zelensky commented.

Despite these challenges, Ukraine is actively sharing its expertise in combating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with Middle Eastern nations. Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine has accumulated over four years of experience in dealing with Russian UAVs, many of which are Geran models with Iranian-origin designs. Ukraine has formalized this cooperation by signing agreements with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). "We will continue to cooperate with other countries. Ukraine is ready to share its expertise and assist in training missions," Zelensky affirmed.

Compounding Ukraine's concerns, Washington has reportedly expended substantial ammunition in its conflicts with Tehran. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on 21/4 estimated a significant depletion of US missile stockpiles. The US military has fired nearly one-half of its patriot air defense system missile inventory, along with over 50% of munitions for the terminal high altitude area defense (THAAD) system.

A launcher vehicle of Ukraine's patriot system in an image posted in January. *Photo: Militarnyi*

Additionally, US forces have utilized approximately 45% of new-generation PrSM ballistic missiles, 20% of JASSM stealth cruise missiles, 30% of long-range SM-3 air defense missiles, and at least 10% of SM-6 munitions during the conflict. About 27% of Tomahawk cruise missiles in inventory were also expended. CSIS projects that it will take the US one to four years to restore these missile stockpiles to pre-conflict levels.

Ukraine has long contended with a shortage of missiles for its patriot system. In an interview published by German media on 14/4, President Zelensky disclosed that the situation "cannot get any worse." A Ukrainian patriot unit commander confirmed that they now fire only one munition to counter each Russian missile, a drastic reduction from the standard air defense doctrine which recommends two to four.

Pham Giang (According to Reuters, CNN)