Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has voiced alarming statistics regarding weapon deliveries. According to him, since the beginning of 2026, the volume of aid in the form of anti-ballistic missiles has decreased threefold. The head of state links this sharp decline not only to the geopolitical situation but also to attempts to exert political pressure on Kyiv.
Official reason: The Middle East
During a meeting of the Security and Defense Council dedicated to preparations for the winter season, Zelensky explained that partners cite military conflicts in the Middle East as the official reason for the reduction in supplies. The United States and European allies, according to them, were forced to redirect resources to this region.
However, the President noted that in previous years, European countries continued to supply missiles for air defense systems, including Patriot complexes, despite the tension in the Middle East. This has led Kyiv to consider other factors influencing the volume of aid.
Political subtext and "compliance"
Volodymyr Zelensky directly expressed the assumption that the reduction in supplies could be a tool of political pressure. In his opinion, Western partners may be trying to make Ukraine more "compliant" in negotiations.
"Maybe these are political steps to make Ukraine more, let's say, compliant. In my opinion, it is not without this," the President stated, emphasizing that the shortage of weapons directly affects the country's defense capabilities.
License issues and production in Ukraine
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that Ukraine is in urgent need of scarce missiles for Patriot systems, which are necessary to intercept ballistic missiles regularly used by occupiers. Recently, Kyiv and Washington have been negotiating the transfer of a license to produce such ammunition directly in Ukraine.
However, the process has hit a dead end. US President Donald Trump, despite initial positive statements, began to doubt the expediency of transferring the technology. Moreover, even with consent, launching domestic production is a long and complex process that will not solve the supply problem in the short term.
