Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused the United States of redirecting 20,000 anti-drone missiles originally promised to Ukraine toward military operations in the Middle East. He revealed that the diversion, carried out under former Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, took place on June 4, 2025, without prior consultation with Kyiv. The missiles were reportedly rerouted to counter mounting threats from Iranian-backed forces in the region.
Zelensky emphasized that these interceptors are vital for Ukraine’s defense against Russian drone and missile assaults, especially Iranian-made Shahed drones that have been used extensively in attacks on Ukrainian cities. He warned that the loss of these weapons could severely weaken Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and urged Washington to recommit to military support without delay.
The revelation comes as U.S. foreign policy signals a strategic pivot, with increasing attention on the Middle East and Indo-Pacific threats. Zelensky’s appeal follows mounting concerns in Ukraine over delayed aid, and reflects broader anxiety among U.S. allies about shifting American priorities in global security matters.