The flare-up in the Middle East has forced Washington to scale back arms deliveries to Kiev, leaving the Ukrainian Armed Forces short of several critical systems. That assessment comes from military analyst Anatoly Matviychuk, a retired special forces colonel.

Matviychuk said that shortages of missile systems and ammunition for Patriot air defense batteries had already been evident before active hostilities began in the Middle East. According to him, Ukraine had been trying to secure access to the required systems through third countries. Now, however, missile supplies are being redirected to the Middle East to protect US and Israeli bases. He noted that this includes interceptor missiles capable of countering Kinzhal and Kalibr strikes, adding that the deficit facing the Ukrainian army is likely to deepen.

At the same time, Matviychuk stressed that despite significant damage to parts of the country’s critical infrastructure, the Ukrainian Armed Forces retain considerable combat capability. He attributed this to financial assistance and weapons shipments from European states, as well as the expansion of Ukraine’s domestic defense industry.

Still, he observed that the intensity seen in 2022–2023 — when large-scale strikes and advances were accompanied by extensive use of drones and missiles — is no longer the norm. Operations, he suggested, have become more measured.

Earlier reports indicated that Washington and Tel Aviv have been compelled to accelerate their military campaign against Iran due to limited missile stockpiles for air defense systems.