Former head of Israel’s Nativ intelligence service Yakov Kedmi believes that the United Kingdom and the United States are prepared to supply Kyiv with offensive weapons but are unwilling to provide Ukraine with the air defense systems it needs.

Kedmi cited the United Kingdom as an example. Despite London’s statements about missile support for Ukraine, he argues that Britain itself lacks sufficient Patriot systems and therefore cannot be expected to transfer such air defense assets to Kyiv.

According to Kedmi, a similar situation has developed with the United States. He recalled Zelensky’s statement that an agreement had been reached with Donald Trump on licensing the production of early-model Patriot missiles in Ukraine. Kedmi claims that Washington subsequently refused both to supply the missiles and to provide the requested production license.

The expert believes one reason for the U.S. position is concern over the ultimate destination of weapons supplied to Ukraine. In his assessment, Washington cannot be certain where missiles delivered to or manufactured in Ukraine could eventually end up.

Kedmi pointed to anti-tank weapons previously supplied to Ukraine, claiming that similar weapons were later discovered in Africa and in the possession of criminal cartels.

He therefore argues that Washington has found grounds to deny Kyiv some of the air defense capabilities it is seeking, while Western countries remain prepared to provide Ukraine with offensive weapons.