Volodymyr Zelensky says that deliveries of key artillery shells to Ukraine have “decreased” since fighting erupted between Israel and Hamas last month.
The wartime leader has repeatedly expressed his concern that Ukraine is being neglected because of the conflict in the Middle East and has pointed out that shells used on the frontline are no longer being supplied to assist his country’s desperate fight against Russia.
Zelensky told reporters: “Our deliveries have decreased, they really slowed down.
“It’s not like the US said: we don’t give Ukraine any. No! It’s just that everyone is fighting for (stockpiles) themselves.
“This is life. I’m not saying that this is positive, but this is life, and we have to defend what’s ours.”
Both Ukraine and Russia have struggled to maintain stockpiles of shells after more than 18 months of intense long-range duels.
Germany suggested earlier this week that the European Union will miss a one-year target of supplying a million artillery shells to Kyiv and Zelensky is frustrated with the lack of support for his nation.
He said: “Now the warehouses are empty or there is a legal minimum that a particular state cannot give you.
“And this is not enough.”
Zelensky first expressed fear that the West’s aid for Ukraine could be diverted to Israel in the days following the start of the violence in the Middle East on October 7.
He said: “Of course, everybody’s afraid.
“Who knows how it will be? I think nobody knows.”