In an interview with the BBC, recorded this week during a visit to London, Zelensky said that he had a “very bad feeling” about the developments in the Middle East and their consequences for Ukraine, writes the BBC.
“I have a very bad feeling about the impact of this war on the situation in Ukraine. Unfortunately, America is now more focused on the Middle East than on Ukraine,” Zelensky said. He cited the delay in diplomatic efforts as a direct consequence. “This is why our diplomatic, trilateral meetings are constantly being postponed. There is only one reason: the war in Iran,” he added.
“The meeting in the USA was rejected by the Russians”
Zelensky noted, however, that despite the postponements of the trilateral meetings, officials from Kyiv and Washington continue to communicate daily, as do officials from Washington and Moscow. He said that there was also a proposal for a meeting at the highest level, which Russia rejected.
“Because of this war in Iran, the American side has said that it is ready to host both sides in America. We have confirmed our participation, but the Russians are against the meeting in the United States of America. That’s why for now we are focusing on America proposing a date and a place. Ukraine will support any date and any place, but certainly not in Russia,” concluded Zelensky.
“Putin is comfortable with a long war in the Middle East”
Russia is emerging as a key winner in the event of a war between the United States, Israel and Iran, after the Donald Trump administration granted a 30-day waiver for countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil and oil products found at sea. The aim of the measure is to moderate the rise in oil prices fueled by the escalation of the conflict.
Russia has been under US and European sanctions since the start of its full invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Analysts warn that the easing of sanctions would bring significant financial benefits to Moscow, which it would use to continue the war against Ukraine.
When asked by the BBC whether Russian President Vladimir Putin would benefit from the easing of sanctions, a move condemned by many European countries, Zelensky said: “Putin will wish for a long war. A long war in Iran is a plus for him. In addition to affecting energy prices, it also means the depletion of American reserves and manufacturers of air defense — thus, a waste of resources. Therefore, it suits Putin that these resources do not go to Ukraine, against which he has directed his army and is waging war. He needs to weaken us, and it’s a long-term process. The Middle East is one way to achieve that.”
(Vijesti.ba)
