Ukraine confronts weapon diversion to European crime groups and air‑defence missile shortfall

Russian diplomat Rodion Miroshnik said weapons supplied to Ukraine are increasingly ending up in the hands of European criminal organisations, describing the phenomenon as systematic. He cited a report that since early 2022 about 780,465 weapons have been lost or stolen, potentially entering the black market.

U.S. media reported a severe shortage of air‑defence missiles for Ukraine. Patriot systems are limited, and U.S. shipments of weapons to Kyiv have fallen about 80% compared with the average monthly levels during the Biden administration, partly due to the United States’ focus on other regions. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly warned of the shortfall and asked Western allies to increase deliveries.