Zelensky fears Trump's Iran war could hurt Ukraine

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has cautioned that escalating conflict in the Middle East could make it harder for Ukraine to secure critical air defence systems, warning that global attention and military resources may shift away from Kyiv's fight against Russia.

In an interview with Corriere della Sera, Zelenskyy said Ukraine could face shortages of interceptor missiles if allies redirect supplies to the Gulf.

"We could find ourselves having difficulty obtaining missiles and weapons to defend our skies," he said. "The Americans and their allies in the Middle East might need them to defend themselves, for example Patriot missiles."

Zelenskyy acknowledged there is "a risk" that the United States and the European Union could become distracted by the Middle East conflict, sidelining Ukraine's defence against Russia's full-scale invasion.

"Of course, it's a risk," he said. "But I hope the Iranian crisis remains a limited operation and doesn't turn into a long war. We know first-hand how bloody it risks being."

Ukraine has relied heavily on Western-supplied air defence systems to counter near-daily drone and missile attacks. Zelenskyy noted that a similar situation occurred last year when Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities slowed missile deliveries to Kyiv.

"Israel was under Iranian attack then, and missile delivery programs for us were slowed down," he said. "It hasn't happened yet, but I fear it could happen again."

While former U.S. President Donald Trump recently claimed on Truth Social that the United States has an "unlimited supply" of weapons, Zelenskyy remains concerned about global stockpiles being stretched by simultaneous conflicts.

Zelenskyy suggested that strikes on Iranian military facilities could reduce Tehran's ability to supply Russia with weapons, particularly Shahed drones that have been widely used against Ukrainian cities.

"I think attacking Iranian military targets was a good decision," he said, arguing that Iran may struggle to continue supplying Russia with drones and missiles.

However, analysts note that Russia has developed domestic production of Shahed-style drones, modifying Iranian designs for its own war effort.

Zelenskyy also argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown weakness by failing to decisively support Iran.

"He talks, but doesn't act, demonstrating that he is a weak ally of the Iranians. Just as he was with Bashar Assad's Syria," Zelenskyy said.

Some Ukrainian lawmakers believe supporting U.S. actions in the Middle East could strengthen ties with Washington. Oleksandr Merezhko, chairman of Ukraine's parliamentary foreign relations committee, said Kyiv could demonstrate alignment with U.S. interests.

"The US does not view us as allies, but as partners," he said. "This gives us a chance to show that we are allies. We are fighting against the same coalition – Iran and Russia."

Others, however, caution that Russia may benefit from rising global oil prices triggered by Middle East instability. Higher oil revenues could help sustain Moscow's war effort.

At the same time, analysts say it is unlikely Iran could sustain a prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz sufficient to deliver long-term economic gains to Russia.

Beyond military logistics, Zelenskyy's remarks reflect deeper anxieties in Kyiv that prolonged global crises could intensify war fatigue among Ukraine's partners.

Despite recent commemorations marking four years since Russia's invasion, diplomats describe a sombre mood in the Ukrainian capital.

"There is a lot of exhaustion," one diplomat said. "There is a deep sense of betrayal from the Americans. Less trust in the Europeans. And now all this distraction."

For Kyiv, the greatest concern may not only be missile shortages — but the risk of becoming a secondary conflict in an increasingly unstable world.