Kallas said how Middle East war affected defences needed for Ukraine

The war in the Middle East has had a direct impact on the war in Ukraine because weapons and defence capabilities, including air defence systems needed by Kyiv, are now being redirected to the region, Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has said.

Kallas said air defence systems are now needed in both Ukraine and the Middle East.

"There is a clear impact on the war in Ukraine as well because there are defence capabilities that are needed in Ukraine now moving also to the Middle East. There is also the issue of supply chain, of supplying the capabilities that Ukraine needs now also the Middle East needs when it comes to air defence for example," Kallas said speaking in Brussels ahead of a videoconference of EU foreign ministers.

Kallas also said both the Middle East and Ukraine need drone interceptors.

"When it comes to drones and interceptor drones then Ukraine has really been able to produce a lot and can also share this knowledge with the Gulf countries to boost this production," she added.

Kallas said she is concerned that "the capabilities are limited and that's why it will have an impact also on different wars".

It was reported earlier that an informal videoconference of EU foreign ministers on the situation in the Middle East will take place on 5 March.

On 4 March, Kallas warned that the Middle East situation risks spiralling out of control.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey flew to Cyprus after the UK airbase at Akrotiri came under attack by an Iranian drone.

After the drone incident, Greece announced that it will send two frigates and four F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus, while the UK will deploy a destroyer and France will send a frigate and additional missile systems.