The Ukrainian President today expressed concern over a potential shortage of ammunition for Ukraine’s air defense systems, which are crucial to neutralizing Russian attacks, if the conflict in the Middle East prolongs.
“Clearly, this issue worries us, which is why we are in contact with our partners,” said Volodymyr Zelensky in a message to a group of journalists, adding that he has not received “any signal” from European or U.S. partners regarding this matter.
“But we ourselves understand that a prolonged war—and the intensity of hostilities—will affect the amount of air defense available to us,” he added.
Zelensky indicated that he expects a new meeting between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States to take place between March 5 and 8, despite the ongoing Middle East conflict.
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“Due to ongoing fighting, we cannot confirm today that the meeting will take place in Abu Dhabi, but no one has canceled it. The meeting should take place,” he said, noting that Turkey and Switzerland could serve as alternative locations.
On Saturday, prior to the U.S. and Israel offensive, Zelensky expressed support for “an operation against the Iranian regime,” which he blamed for the disappearance and killing of thousands of people.
“I would support an operation against the regime, not the people. That is a big difference,” Zelensky told Sky News.
Israel and the United States launched a military strike against Iran on Saturday to “eliminate imminent threats from the Iranian regime,” and Tehran responded with missiles and drones targeting U.S. bases in the region and Israeli targets.
Iran has confirmed the death of its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and declared a 40-day mourning period.
At least 555 people have died in Iran since the attacks began, according to the Iranian Red Crescent.
