Zelensky Warns US-Iran War Could Divert Critical Support from Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has voiced serious concerns that a prolonged US-Israeli military conflict with Iran could significantly erode America's support for Ukraine, as Washington's global priorities shift and Kyiv braces for reduced deliveries of critically needed Patriot air defense missiles.
Desperate Need for Air Defense Systems
In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press conducted late Saturday in Istanbul, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine desperately requires more US-made Patriot air defense systems to counter Russia's daily barrages. Russia's relentless bombardment of urban areas behind the front lines, following its full-scale invasion over four years ago, has resulted in thousands of civilian casualties. The attacks have also targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, disrupting industrial production of newly developed drones and missiles while depriving civilians of heat and running water during winter months.
"We have to recognize that we are not the priority for today," Zelensky stated. "That's why I am afraid a long (Iran) war will give us less support."
A Loss of Focus on Ukraine
The latest US-brokered negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv ended in February without any breakthrough. Zelensky, who has accused Russia of deliberately prolonging talks while continuing its invasion, revealed that Ukraine remains in contact with US negotiators regarding a potential peace deal and continues to push for stronger security guarantees. However, he noted that even these discussions reflect a broader loss of international focus on Ukraine.
Zelensky's most immediate concern centers on the Patriot systems, which are essential for intercepting Russian ballistic missiles, as Ukraine lacks effective alternatives. He pointed out that these systems were never delivered in sufficient quantities initially, and if the Iran conflict persists, "the package — which is not very big for us — I think will be smaller and smaller day by day." He added, "That's why, of course, we are afraid."
Interlinked Wars and Economic Strains
Zelensky had hoped European partners would assist with Patriot purchases despite tight supply and limited US production capacity. However, the Iran war, now in its sixth week, has sent shockwaves through the global economy and drawn in much of the wider Middle East region. This further strains already limited resources, diverts stockpiles, and leaves Ukrainian cities more vulnerable to ballistic strikes.
For Kyiv, a key objective is to weaken Moscow's economy and make the war prohibitively costly. Surging oil prices, driven by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, undermine this strategy by boosting the Kremlin's oil revenues and strengthening Russia's capacity to sustain its military efforts. In his AP interview, Zelensky highlighted that Russia gains economic benefits from the Middle East conflict, citing the limited easing of American sanctions on Russian oil. "Russia gets additional money because of this, so yes, they have benefits," he said.
Renewed Diplomatic Push and Expertise Sharing
To keep Ukraine on the international agenda, Zelensky has offered to share Ukraine's hard-earned battlefield expertise with the United States and its allies to develop effective countermeasures against Iranian attacks. Ukraine has responded to Russia's evolving use of Iranian-made Shahed drones with growing sophistication, technological ingenuity, and low-cost solutions. Moscow significantly modified the original Shahed-136, rebranded as the Geran-2, enhancing its ability to evade air defenses and be mass-produced. Ukraine countered with rapid innovation, including low-cost interceptor drones designed to track and destroy incoming threats.
Zelensky stated that Ukraine is prepared to share its experience and technology, such as interceptor drones and sea drones, with Gulf Arab countries targeted by Iran. These drones are produced in greater numbers than are consumed, funded by American and European partners. In return, these countries could assist Ukraine "with anti-ballistic missiles."
In late March, as the Iran war escalated, Zelensky visited Gulf Arab states to promote Ukraine's unique experience in countering Iranian-made Shahed drones, leading to new defense cooperation agreements. He has also positioned Ukraine as a potential partner in safeguarding global trade routes, offering assistance in reopening the Strait of Hormuz by sharing Ukraine's experiences in securing maritime corridors in the Black Sea.
Regional Talks and Russian Offensives
Zelensky was in Istanbul for discussions with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, following the Turkish leader's conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. They addressed peace talks and a potential leaders' meeting in Istanbul, with Zelensky indicating that new defense deals between the two countries could be signed soon.
Meanwhile, Russia is intensifying its spring offensive. Each year as weather conditions improve, Russia escalates its grinding war of attrition, though it has failed to capture Ukrainian cities and has made only incremental gains in rural areas. Russia currently occupies approximately 20% of Ukraine, including the Crimean Peninsula seized in 2014.
Along the roughly 1,250-kilometer (750-mile) front line stretching across eastern and southern Ukraine, short-handed Ukrainian defenders are preparing for a new offensive by Russia's larger army. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces, reported that Russian troops have recently made simultaneous attempts to breach defense lines in several strategic areas.
Zelensky has firmly insisted that territorial compromise and ceding land will not be on Ukraine's agenda, a stance he vows to maintain.
