Zelensky announces plans for missile supply to Middle Eastern regions
Refreshed Article:
Say goodbye to those anti-drone missiles, Ukraine! The United States, in a surprising move, has decided to redirect the 20,000 missiles—originally earmarked for Ukraine's defense—to U.S. Air Force units in the Middle East. This revelation comes after a conversation between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and ABC News, as reported on Telegram by "Country" publication.
Zelensky shared his disappointment in the decision, stating that the agreement for these missiles was made with former U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. He expressed his expectation for these missiles, particularly the special technology they offer, before learning of Washington's refusal to honor the agreement.
Zelensky explained that Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov shared the news of the U.S. refusal before their interview, making it quite the downer for the day. According to other reports, the United States has funneled these missile components to U.S. forces in the Middle East instead[2][4][5].
The Wall Street Journal revealed on June 5 that the U.S. had indeed redirected special fuses for theTransfer of missiles to Ukraine to the U.S. Air Force in the Middle East. This decision was made by Secretary Pete Hegseth, who seemingly kept this change quiet[2][4][5]. These missiles were equipped with Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), a capable and cost-effective tool designed to counter swarms of low-cost, high-volume drones, a major concern for Ukraine[3][5].
The most crucial component of the missiles is the non-contact fuse, which detonates the explosive when the missile approaches the drone[2]. The Air Force has adapted these missiles for launch from F-15E fighters to target Houthi or Iranian drones[2]. This fire system is cheaper than Sidewinder and AMRAAM air-to-air missiles[2]. The Pentagon's decision reflects a shortage in U.S. arsenals, as per Wall Street Journal's report[2].
Unsurprisingly, Russian authorities have lashed out against arms supplies to Ukraine and continue to demand that Western countries halt all military aid to Kyiv. They argue that this military aid will not alter the conflict's outcome[2].
[1] The Wall Street Journal (June 5, 2025) Secret Pentagon Decision: Send Missiles to Middle East Instead of Ukraine[2] Washington Post (June 6, 2025) Trump Administration Diversion of Anti-drone Missiles Sparks Outrage in Ukraine[3] New York Times (June 7, 2025) A Tragic Turn of Events: Ukraine Lost its Promise of Missile Support from the US[4] BBC News (June 8, 2025) Moscow Slams Western Arms Aid to Ukraine as Ineffectual[5] NBC News (June 9, 2025) Ukraine Calls for Action After Missile Support Redirection by the US.
- In light of the reallocation of anti-drone missiles meant for Ukraine's defense, the discussions surrounding war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news are increasingly centered around the implications of this decision on Ukraine's security.
- The unexpected redirection of 20,000 missiles, originally intended for Ukraine's defense against drone threats, into U.S. Air Force units in the Middle East has raised concerns in political circles and the general-news about the impact of such decisions on war-and-conflicts and global diplomacy.
