The U.S. war against Iran is undermining support for Ukraine in its war against Russia: a new statement from Zelenskyy
5 April 21:15
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a prolonged war between the U.S. and Israel against Iran could further diminish support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. He noted that the U.S. focus has already shifted to the war against Iran, and that allowing Russia to sell oil has impacted the Russian Federation’s ability to wage war against Ukraine.
The president made these remarks in an interview with the Associated Press, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
“We must acknowledge that we are not a priority today. That is why I fear that a prolonged war against Iran will result in less support for us,” Zelenskyy said.
He noted that the main problem is the supply of additional missiles for Ukraine’s Patriot air defense systems. Ukraine needs them, but these systems have never been supplied in sufficient quantities, Zelenskyy said. If the war with Iran does not end soon, “the package, which is not very large for us, I think, will get smaller and smaller every day,” the president said.
To avoid this possibility, President Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is establishing relations with Middle Eastern countries and is ready to sell these countries weapons to intercept Iranian drones. In return, these countries could help Ukraine with “anti-ballistic missiles,” Zelenskyy said.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia provided Iran with intelligence on about 50 Israeli energy facilities for strikes against them.
According to him, Ukraine has not been asked for help in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz. However, the Ukrainian side can share its experience, as it faced a similar problem with restoring the food corridor in the Black Sea.
Zelenskyy also stated that Russia is reaping economic benefits from the war in the Middle East due to the limited easing of U.S. sanctions on Russian oil.
“Russia is getting extra money because of this, so yes, they have advantages,” the president said.
On March 13, the U.S. issued a 30-day license to purchase Russian oil and petroleum products currently stranded at sea. The U.S. Treasury Department stated that this would help stabilize global energy markets.
Zelenskyy reported that Russia is “intensifying its spring offensive.” Russian forces have already attempted to break through defensive lines in several strategic areas along the front line.
President Zelenskyy stated that the Ukrainian military continues to defend Ukraine against Russia because “territorial compromise and ceding land are not on Ukraine’s agenda.”
On March 30, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not believe that peace talks had reached an impasse and expressed hope that a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia would take place in the coming weeks.
On March 27, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is holding daily talks with the U.S. side regarding the organization of the negotiation process, but due to difficulties in determining the venue, Kyiv is effectively forced to act as a “mediator in this process.”
