According to Ukrinform, Zelensky made the remarks during a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council.

The president recalled earlier statements that Ukraine has been receiving three times fewer anti-ballistic missiles since the beginning of 2026.

"We were told this was due to the war – or, more accurately, the armed conflicts and wars in the Middle East. At least, that was the official explanation we received from our partners, primarily the United States, as well as our European partners," Zelensky said.

At the same time, he suggested there could be other reasons behind the reduction.

"It may also be a political move aimed at making Ukraine more compliant. In my view, that is certainly part of it," Zelensky said.

He noted that Ukraine is currently facing a shortage of missiles capable of intercepting ballistic threats.

Zelensky instructed the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to do everything possible to persuade Ukraine's partners to increase deliveries of missiles for air defense systems. He also called on the country's defense industry to accelerate work on Ukraine's anti-ballistic missile project.

Following a meeting earlier on Wednesday with military officials, the Ministry of Defense, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), and the Presidential Office, Zelensky said that deliveries of air defense missiles from Ukraine's partners have fallen threefold in 2026 compared with 2025.