Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported potential difficulties in securing missiles for defense against Russian attacks, which are related to the current situation in the Middle East.
In an interview with the BBC, he noted that Vladimir Putin is interested in a protracted war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, as this could weaken support for Kyiv and divert American resources.
Additionally, Zelensky pointed out that U.S. President Donald Trump is not actively supporting either side in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, aiming to avoid confrontation with Putin.
The Ukrainian president also commented on Trump's recent critical remarks about the British Prime Minister, urging them to meet to seek common solutions.
The conflict in the Middle East, which has been ongoing for three weeks, affects the entire Persian Gulf, where Iran is responding to attacks from the U.S. and Israel.
Zelensky expressed his concerns about the negative impact of the events on the war in Ukraine and noted that peace negotiations are constantly being postponed due to the "war in Iran."
According to him, the current situation is advantageous for Russia, as it leads to rising energy prices and creates a threat of missile shortages for Ukraine.
"For Putin, a protracted war in Iran is an advantage," he emphasized. "It leads to rising energy prices and depletes American stocks, which in turn affects our resources."
Zelensky stated that the shortage of Patriot missiles will "definitely" become a problem, and it is now important to understand "when all stocks in the Middle East will be exhausted."
"America produces 60-65 missiles a month. That's about 700-800 missiles a year," he noted. "And on the first day of the war in the Middle East, 803 missiles were launched."
He also commented on the position of his American counterpart regarding the Ukrainian war, emphasizing that Trump aims to be a mediator rather than take sides.
In Zelensky's opinion, Trump "wants to end this war," but his team has chosen a strategy of close dialogue with Putin to avoid provoking him, as Putin is unwilling to communicate with Europe.
The conflict, which began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, has led to diplomatic frictions, as Trump criticized his NATO allies, and according to him, there were no military actions from Kira. Zelensky warned of a possible rift among Western leaders.
After talks with Kira, Zelensky stated in an interview with the BBC that he would not point out Trump's actions but considers it important to meet for "updating relations."
"I would like President Trump to meet with Starmer... so they could develop a common position," he added.
Recently, Trump called Starmer "not Winston Churchill," adding that while he considers the British Prime Minister "a good man," he feels disappointment.
Kira, for his part, emphasized that the UK does not intend to get involved in larger conflicts, and the government confirmed "strong" ties with the U.S.
During a meeting with Zelensky at Downing Street, Kira noted that this is just part of the Ukrainian leader's tour of European capitals.
Zelensky visited Paris last week and will head to Madrid on Wednesday. These trips occur against the backdrop of the escalating conflict in the Middle East, which overshadows Ukraine's struggle against the Russian invasion.
"I find it extremely important that attention remains focused on Ukraine," Kira emphasized.
During his visit to London, Zelensky addressed members of parliament, stating: "The regimes in Russia and Iran are brothers in hatred, and therefore they are brothers in arms. We want regimes based on hatred to never prevail and threaten Europe or our partners."
Among those present at his speech in the packed Westminster committee room were Kira, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Defense Minister John Healy, and leaders of opposition parties.
