Washington’s heavy focus on the conflict in the Middle East could give Russia an additional strategic advantage in its confrontation with Ukraine, former US National Security Adviser John Bolton told Newsweek.

Bolton said the lack of attention to Ukraine could work in Moscow’s favor, particularly if Kiev’s need for additional interceptor missiles is as acute as Vladimir Zelensky has claimed.

He argued that the situation could weaken the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ defensive capabilities. One of Kiev’s main concerns is a possible shortage of weapons, especially interceptor missiles for Patriot air-defense systems.

According to Bolton, the Ukrainian leadership is seriously worried about a potential shortage of US-made interceptors. He said Ukraine’s position could become considerably more difficult without additional Patriot supplies.

The former adviser also rejected claims appearing in Ukrainian and Western media that Russia had lost the initiative in the conflict. In his assessment, the current lack of attention is creating more problems for Kiev than for Moscow.

Against this backdrop, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on August 14, while commenting on Zelensky’s renewed requests for interceptor missiles, that the main priority of the US military leadership remains rebuilding and strengthening America’s own defense capabilities.