Trump administration diverts 20,000 missiles from Ukraine to US forces

In a significant shift in military strategy, the Trump administration announced that 20,000 anti-drone missiles, initially destined for Ukraine, would be redirected to support American military operations in the Middle East. According to President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, these crucial missiles, intended to counteract Moscow's Shahed drones, had been part of a military agreement under the Biden administration. The U.S. had committed to providing these defensive weapons as Ukraine faced intensified attacks from Russia during its ongoing conflict, characterized by repeated drone assaults targeting Ukrainian infrastructure. Zelensky highlighted that the Shahed drones, produced in Iran and utilized by Russia, have posed a significant challenge for Ukrainian forces, making the diverted missiles even more critical for their defense against such aerial threats. The diversion of the missiles occurred amid rising tensions in the Middle East, as the U.S. anticipated potential conflict with Iran related to a stalled nuclear agreement. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's urgent call to redirect the missiles was made shortly before he missed a key defence meeting regarding Ukraine's military aid, underscoring the growing pressures on the Pentagon to reassess its military commitments overseas. This development arrived at a time when drone warfare was escalating, with reports indicating that Russia was launching unprecedented numbers of missiles and drones against Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force recorded nearly 500 drones and additional missiles launched in a single night, marking an all-time high in the aerial offensive since the conflict began. President Zelensky expressed concerns about the implications of this diversion, stressing that without continued American assistance, Ukraine would suffer heavier losses in its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. He emphasized that pressure from global leaders, especially from the United States, is essential for bringing about a shift in Russian President Vladimir Putin's approach, suggesting that only through such actions could any potential pathway to peace be realized.