Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that Russia benefits from continued instability in the Middle East, arguing that regional conflicts divert U.S. attention and resources away from supporting Ukraine.
In an interview broadcast on Thursday, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian intelligence believes Moscow has an interest in prolonging tensions in the Middle East because increased U.S. military and diplomatic involvement in the region could reduce the level of assistance available to Kyiv.
The Ukrainian president also accused Russia of supplying Iran with drones that have allegedly been used in attacks across the Middle East, including against Israel. He argued that the ongoing regional conflict serves Russia’s broader strategic interests by shifting international focus away from the war in Ukraine.
Discussing the battlefield situation, Zelenskyy said Ukraine remains resilient despite the prolonged conflict. He stressed that preserving the country’s independence and sovereignty is the primary measure of success, stating that Ukraine has not been defeated and continues to resist Russian advances.
Zelenskyy also shared updated estimates of military casualties, claiming that Russia has suffered significant losses since the start of the war while acknowledging that Ukraine has also paid a heavy human cost. He did not provide independent evidence to support the figures.
His remarks come amid renewed tensions between the United States and Iran following the collapse of a previously announced ceasefire framework. The recent exchange of military strikes between Washington and Tehran has raised concerns that escalating instability in the Middle East could further complicate global security priorities and international support for Ukraine.
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