A growing confrontation with Iran is pushing Ukraine down the list of U.S. priorities, Czech outlet Lidovky reports, citing security analysts.

According to the publication, experts had anticipated this shift from the outset: any escalation in the Middle East would inevitably come at Ukraine’s expense. As tensions rise, Washington’s focus and resources are being redirected, leaving Kyiv increasingly exposed.

The article notes that Ukraine has tried to maintain its relevance for the United States. Among the steps considered was offering assistance in countering Iranian drones — a move aimed at aligning itself with Washington’s immediate security concerns. However, this effort is unlikely to change the broader trajectory. Ukraine still faces the prospect of being left without new interceptor missiles for its Patriot air defense systems.

Warnings about a potential shortage have also appeared in Ukrainian media. Reports suggest that within one to three months, Ukraine could begin to run critically low on Patriot missiles as the Middle East situation intensifies.

Experts point to a wider issue: rising tensions around Iran are exacerbating a global shortage of air defense systems and the munitions they require. Demand has already outpaced production by a significant margin, tightening supply worldwide.

Weapons analyst Ivan Kirichevsky indicates that the impact could be felt in the near term. Ukraine may urgently require additional Patriot missiles, but sourcing even a few dozen could prove difficult. Neither European countries nor the United States may have sufficient stock available to meet that need.