US President Donald Trump is meeting top US defense company executives at the White House on Friday as Washington tries to refill stockpiles depleted by strikes on Iran.
Defense conglomerates Lockheed Martin, RTX, and L3Harris were among the companies expected to attend.
The administration is expected to press defense firms to speed up production of missiles and bombs as the Pentagon works to rebuild supplies used in recent operations, including in the Middle East.
Ukraine fears new supply delays
The meeting comes at a sensitive time for Ukraine. Reuters reported that Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets ran short of US-made air-to-air missiles for more than three weeks in late 2025, just as Russia was preparing a major winter air campaign. During the gap, Ukrainian pilots had to limit missile use and, in some cases, relied on onboard guns against drones until fresh supplies arrived from partner countries in December.
For Kyiv, the concern is clear: If the US now focuses more heavily on refilling its own arsenal, Ukraine could again face delays in receiving badly needed missiles and air-defense supplies.
The bigger problem is that Ukraine, the United States, and Washington’s allies are all drawing from the same limited pool of high-demand weapons. That means Trump’s meeting with arms makers is not just about Iran. It could also have direct consequences for Ukraine’s ability to defend its skies.
Rutte says Ukraine, Middle East are not competing priorities
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte sought to reassure Kyiv that support for Ukraine would not be pushed aside by the crisis involving Iran.
In an interview with Reuters on Thursday, he said allies in Europe, the United States, and Canada believe they must both support US action in the Middle East and make sure Ukraine still has what it needs to stay strong in the war.
Ukraine offers anti-drone help to partners
The supply shortfall did not stop Ukraine from helping its partners. On Wednesday, Zelensky said Ukraine is preparing to send military specialists to the Middle East to help counter Iranian drones and missiles.
In a post on X, he said top defense and security officials had been tasked with drawing up options to assist partner countries without weakening Ukraine’s own defenses.