Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated Vladimir Putin seeks a lengthy war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, believing it would weaken Ukraine and divert American resources.
Zelenskyy on the Middle East War and Putin’s Aims
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an interview with the BBC, said Vladimir Putin wants a “long war” between the USA, Israel, and Iran, as it would weaken Kyiv and redirect American resources.
He added he has “very bad premonitions” regarding the impact of the Middle East conflict on the war in Ukraine.
Putin’s Advantage: A Prolonged Iran War
“For Putin, a long war in Iran is an advantage,” Zelenskyy emphasized, noting that peace negotiations are “constantly postponed.” He attributes this to the war in Iran.
Beyond rising energy prices, a prolonged conflict would deplete U.S. reserves and air defense systems, ultimately impacting Ukraine’s resources.
Trump’s Neutrality and Potential Patriot Missile Shortages
Zelenskyy stated that former U.S. President Donald Trump did not side with “either side” in the war between Russia and Ukraine, “preferring to be a negotiator.” He believes Trump “wants to end this war” but chose a strategy of close dialogue with Putin and avoiding provocation.
Zelenskyy also warned of a certain lack of Patriot missiles, calling it a “challenge,” and questioned when supplies on the Middle East front would be exhausted. He noted the U.S. produces approximately 700-800 Patriot missiles annually, while 803 were used on the first day of the Middle East conflict.
Shifting Perceptions of Ukraine in the Arab World
Serhiy Danylov, deputy director of the Ukrainian Center for Middle Eastern Studies, noted a change in how Arab nations view Ukraine. Previously, they did not see Ukraine as a significant player, but this perception is now shifting.