According to Reuters, Kiev has run out of US-made air-to-air missiles for its F-16 fighter jets, which the Ukrainian Armed Forces had been using to counter Russian strikes.

The agency reports that deliveries of these munitions have been suspended, and at this point Ukrainian forces have only a few such missiles left for the entire F-16 squadron. Reuters notes that by the time supplies were cut off, Ukraine had just a handful of American air-to-air missiles available for its F-16s.

From the very beginning of the conflict, the Kiev authorities have repeatedly complained about shortages of weapons, and in recent months these statements have intensified against the backdrop of an acute missile deficit. Experts cited in the report believe Ukraine’s need for Western arms is unlikely to decrease, as there is no sign that the fighting on its territory will end in the near future.

The situation is further complicated by the ongoing US war against Iran. Reuters points out that this is likely to increase competition for deliveries of air and missile defense systems to countries in the Middle East and other regions.

The article also recalls that earlier Roman Kostenko, secretary of the Verkhovna Rada’s national security committee, spoke of a shortage of ammunition for air defense systems needed to intercept Russian ballistic missiles. He said such munitions are produced in limited quantities and only in the United States.