The Ukrainian president claims Moscow benefits from prolonged regional instability, arguing it could divert American attention and military assistance away from Ukraine.
KYIV, Ukraine — WEB DESK: Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that Russia wants the conflict in the Middle East to continue because it could reduce the level of US support for Ukraine, as Washington’s attention and resources are increasingly divided among multiple international crises.
Speaking in an interview with US media, Zelensky alleged that Moscow views the ongoing instability in the Middle East as strategically beneficial because it could limit America’s ability to provide military and financial assistance to Kyiv.
Claims about Russia’s strategy
Zelensky said Ukrainian intelligence believes Russia is encouraged by the continuation of the conflict in the Middle East.
According to the Ukrainian president, Moscow expects that prolonged regional fighting will keep the United States focused on the Middle East, making it more difficult for Washington to support Ukraine at previous levels.
He also alleged that Russia had supplied Iranian drones that were later used in attacks involving Israel. Zelensky did not publicly provide evidence to support the claim during the interview.
Ukraine war remains ongoing
Asked whether Ukraine was winning or losing the war, Zelensky said his country had not been defeated and remained committed to defending its sovereignty.
“Not losing our country and our freedom is victory for us,” he said, adding that neither side could yet claim overall success in the conflict.
Casualty claims
Zelensky also claimed that more than 1.5 million Russian soldiers had been killed since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
He said Ukraine had suffered around 50,000 military deaths and approximately 400,000 wounded personnel, while noting that many Ukrainian troops remain missing.
These casualty figures have not been independently verified, and both Russia and Ukraine have provided differing estimates throughout the conflict.
Background
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, triggering Europe’s largest armed conflict since the Second World War.
The war has resulted in heavy military and civilian casualties, widespread destruction, and continued international support for Ukraine from Western allies, including the United States.
