'It couldn't be any worse' - Zelensky sounds alarm on Patriot air defense missile shortage

Key Points:

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted a critical shortage of U.S.-produced Patriot air defense missiles, emphasizing that the situation could not be worse and is exacerbated by the Middle East conflict affecting military aid delivery.
• Patriot missiles, especially the PAC-3 variant, remain Ukraine's most effective defense against frequent Russian ballistic missile attacks, but their supply is limited due to U.S. production constraints and past aid cutoffs under President Trump.
• Ukraine has recently secured additional air defense contributions from Germany and Norway, including agreements for PAC-2 missiles and IRIS-T launchers, though delivery remains slower than desired.
• Zelensky expressed mixed views on U.S. policy, noting former President Trump's neutral stance and warning that lack of U.S. pressure on Russia could embolden Moscow.
• Zelensky proposed Ukraine's assistance in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz, citing its Black Sea corridor experience, while identifying Germany as Ukraine's largest strategic partner in Europe following reduced U.S. support.