EU seeking solutions to prevent Iran crisis from affecting air defence supplies to Ukraine

Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space, has said the EU is currently looking for ways to prevent the conflict in Iran from affecting supplies of air defence systems to Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda, citing Kubilius in an interview with Radio Liberty's Ukrainian Service

Details: Kubilius acknowledged that developments surrounding Iran could impact global supplies of missiles for air defence systems and cause delays in deliveries to Ukraine.

Quote: "This is certainly a cause for concern for us as well, since missiles for air defence systems are now being actively used by the armed forces of the United States, Israel, Arab countries and others."

Details: Kubilius said the annual production volume of US-made missiles for Patriot air defence systems amounts to about 700 units, meaning it is limited.

Quote: "This raises the question of how to ensure that supplies to Ukraine are not affected. This is one of the strategic issues we are currently considering."

Details: According to Kubilius, he plans to launch an in-person "missile tour" as early as this week, visiting European manufacturers in a bid to speed up the delivery of missiles to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the commissioner acknowledged that Europe does not produce missiles for Patriot air defence systems, which complicates a rapid solution to the problem.

Background:

• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a prolonged and intense war in the Middle East will affect the number of air defence systems Ukraine receives.
• NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has urged allies not to lose sight of Ukraine's need for support amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
• US President Donald Trump praised the size of US ammunition stockpiles in the context of the war with Iran, although he acknowledged that the reserves still fall short of his expectations. He also criticised his predecessor Joe Biden, claiming that he had given everything to Zelenskyy

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