Kyiv, April 23 (ANI) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that a prolonged conflict involving Iran could undermine Kyiv’s ability to obtain critical US-supplied anti-missile systems. In a CNN interview he said Ukraine has received only a limited number of such systems so far, in part because US production capacity is constrained, but stressed there has been no immediate disruption to current deliveries or intelligence support.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine has been buying American equipment through the PURL programme, which allows NATO members to fund weapons for Kyiv. He noted that the programme can include anti-ballistic missiles for Patriot systems and other important items that are not available from some European partners. He cautioned, however, that growing instability in the Middle East could divert US and allied resources: the unfolding war and tensions with Iran place these packages at risk.
Pointing to the modest numbers supplied to date, Zelenskyy said limited US production is a factor and warned that a continued or expanded Middle East conflict, or a delayed ceasefire, would increase Ukraine’s vulnerability on anti-ballistic defences.
Meanwhile, Kyiv is sharing its drone countermeasures with Middle Eastern partners after four years of experience fighting Russian-deployed, often Iranian-designed, drones. Zelenskyy said agreements have been finalised with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, with Ukraine offering technical expertise first and following up with training missions. (ANI)
