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International Desk, June 9, 2025 : In a controversial move, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has redirected 20,000 anti-drone missiles originally pledged to Ukraine to the Middle East, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Speaking on ABC News’ This Week on Sunday, June 8, Zelenskyy expressed frustration, stating that these missiles were critical for Ukraine’s defense against Iranian-designed Shahed drones used by Russia in the ongoing conflict.
“We were counting on these 20,000 anti-Shahed missiles. They are not overly expensive but contain specialized technology that is highly effective for us,” Zelenskyy said during the interview.
A report published by The Wall Street Journal on Monday, June 9, revealed that the U.S. is preparing for potential conflict in the Middle East, particularly in light of stalled nuclear talks with Iran. The decision to redirect the missiles was reportedly ordered by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in an urgent directive. Notably, Hegseth was absent from the latest meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, marking the first time a U.S. defense chief has missed the gathering since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.
The U.S. has suspended military aid to Ukraine since March this year, leaving the country to face intensified Russian drone and missile attacks largely on its own. According to a report by The Kyiv Independent, a record-breaking 479 drones and 20 missiles were launched in a single night attack on Kyiv on Monday, marking the largest such assault since the war began.
Zelenskyy highlighted the escalating Russian aggression, noting that Russia has constructed 12 to 15 new drone launch sites and increased production of Geran drones from 21 to 70 per day. “We are under attack every day. Many don’t realize that Russia does not stop its aggression even behind talks of a ceasefire,” he said.
The Ukrainian leader called for stronger global action to counter Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing that “Putin is not interested in peace.” He urged world leaders, particularly the U.S. President, to take a firm stance, stating, “I believe the U.S. President has that power.”
The diversion of the missiles has sparked concerns about the U.S.’s commitment to supporting Ukraine as it faces mounting challenges in the war against Russia.
AI/MR
