- Category
- Latest news
800 Missiles in One Day—Zelenskyy Warns Patriot Stockpiles Are Draining Fast
- Authors
![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine could soon face a deficit of critical air defense missiles, as the expanding conflict in the Middle East puts growing pressure on US stockpiles, Zelenskyy said in an interview with the BBC on March 18.
The scale of missile usage in the region has already outpaced annual US production capacity, creating potential risks for Ukraine’s ability to defend its skies, he added.
We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
“America produces 60–65 missiles per month… about 700–800 missiles per year,” Zelenskyy said. “And on the first day in the Middle East war, 803 missiles were used.”
According to Zelenskyy, the surge in demand for air defense systems could lead to a “definite” shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles, which are critical for countering ballistic and cruise missile threats.
He warned that the situation raises a key question: how long can existing stockpiles in the Middle East sustain such levels of use.
“There will definitely be a deficit of Patriot missiles… the question is when all the stockpiles in the Middle East will be exhausted,” he said.
Zelenskyy also expressed concern about the broader geopolitical impact of the Middle East conflict on Ukraine’s war effort.
He said he has a “very bad feeling” about how the escalation could affect Kyiv, arguing that the situation may benefit a Russian leader by diverting attention and resources away from Ukraine.
“For Putin, a long war in Iran is a plus,” Zelenskyy said. “In addition to energy prices, it means the depletion of US reserves, and the depletion of air defense manufacturers. So we have a depletion of resources.”
Zelenskyy added that the conflict is also slowing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
“Negotiations toward peace are being constantly postponed. There is one reason—war in Iran,” he said.
He also commented on US political dynamics, suggesting that President Donald Trump is positioning himself as a mediator rather than taking a clear side in the war.
According to Zelenskyy, Washington’s current approach appears focused on maintaining dialogue with Moscow, rather than increasing pressure.
Despite these concerns, Zelenskyy said he believes Trump ultimately wants to bring the war to an end, while urging closer coordination between US and European leaders.
Earlier, Zelenskyy met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in London, focusing on strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses and expanding international support amid ongoing Russian attacks.
-29ed98e0f248ee005bb84bfbf7f30adf.jpg)
-72b63a4e0c8c475ad81fe3eed3f63729.jpeg "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")