Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that an extensive war in Iran could deal a significant blow to his country’s ability to defend itself in its war with Russia.
Zelensky said that as U.S. defense manufacturers provide missiles for the war with Iran, there would be a deficit in the number of U.S. Patriot missiles provided for Ukraine‘s defense.
“For [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, a long war in Iran is a plus,” Zelensky told the BBC in an interview. “In addition to energy prices, it means the depletion of US reserves and the depletion of air defense manufacturers.”
He also said that peace talks between Ukraine and Russia have been “constantly postponed” recently, blaming the conflict in the Middle East.
“There is one reason — war in Iran,” Zelensky said.
ZELENSKY NEEDLES US AS HE SENDS TEAMS TO MIDDLE EAST TO HELP AMERICAN TROOPS
Ukraine assisted the U.S. in its war with Iran this week, vowing to send drone-intercepting technology and experts to the region. Zelensky announced that over 200 Ukrainians were deployed to the Middle East, with several dozen more experts ready to travel to the region.
“These are military experts, experts who know how to help, how to defend against Shahed drones. Our teams are already in the Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and on the way to Kuwait. We are working with several other countries — agreements are already in place. We do not want this terror of the Iranian regime against its neighbors to succeed,” Zelensky said in an address before the United Kingdom’s Parliament.
Ukraine has become especially adept at defending against the Iranian Shahed drones, as Iran supplied Russia with them for its war with Ukraine.
“The regimes in Russia and Iran are brothers in hatred — and that is why they are brothers in weapons. And we want regimes built on hatred to never win – in anything,” Zelensky said in his address.
Zelensky has presented his country as the foil to Russia regarding the Iran war, lending his country’s support to Operations Epic Fury and Roaring Lion, while reports suggest Moscow is backing Tehran. He had floated the idea of assisting the U.S. with its drone technologies last week, hinging its help on support for Ukraine.
“Ukraine is ready to respond positively to requests from those who help us protect the lives of Ukrainians and the independence of Ukraine,” Zelensky said on March 9.
IRAN SAYS PROJECTILE HIT NUCLEAR POWER PLANT AS IAEA CHIEF URGES ‘MAXIMUM RESTRAINT’
Zelensky’s rhetoric on Iran comes as media attention in the U.S. shifts largely toward coverage of Operation Epic Fury and less on President Donald Trump’s attempts to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
The Washington Examiner has reached out to the Pentagon and the White House for comment.