A protracted war in Iran will weaken U.S. support for Ukraine — Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the prolonged conflict in the Middle East poses serious threats to our country’s defense capabilities.
In an interview with the Associated Press, he emphasized that Washington’s shifting global priorities are already having a negative impact on the pace and scale of military aid.
The head of state openly acknowledged that, against the backdrop of new challenges, Ukraine is gradually losing its status as the primary focus of Western allies. This sets a dangerous precedent, as critically important resources are being redirected to other global hotspots.
“We must acknowledge that we are not a priority today… I fear that a prolonged war will result in less support for us,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated.
The greatest concern is the potential shortage of Patriot air defense missile systems, which are the only effective means of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles.
Since the conflict with Iran requires similar weaponry to protect U.S. interests and those of its partners in the region, Kyiv may receive fewer systems than previously planned.
Russia is actively exploiting this situation to increase pressure on Ukraine’s power grid and civilian population.
Beyond the military aspect, the Kremlin is reaping significant financial benefits from the destabilization in the Middle East due to the rapid rise in global oil prices.
“Russia is making extra money because of this,” the President of Ukraine emphasized, pointing to the direct link between the risks in the Strait of Hormuz and the replenishment of the Russian military budget.
To maintain the international community’s interest, Ukraine offers its allies unique combat experience gained in the fight against Iranian technologies.
Specifically, this involves methods for effectively intercepting “Shahed-136” drones, which the enemy labels as “Geran-2.”
Zelenskyy revoked the presidential stipend of the Ukrainian national team’s coach, who fled to Belarus.
Zelensky signed a decree on the rights of the Crimean Tatar people.
