Ukraine’s president says expanded U.S. involvement against Iran may affect arms deliveries as Kyiv continues its war with Russia.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that escalating American military engagement against Iran could jeopardize the steady flow of U.S. weapons shipments to Ukraine, which remain critical to Kyiv’s defense against Russian forces.
In an interview with Italy’s Corriere della Sera, Zelenskyy said that previous hostilities between Israel and Iran had already disrupted military assistance to Ukraine. In the published exchange, available here, Zelenskyy stated that last year’s fighting “slowed down” deliveries.
“This time, it has not happened yet, but I fear it could,” he said.
Zelenskyy suggested that broader instability in the Middle East could place additional strain on Western military resources at a time when Ukraine remains engaged in sustained combat operations against Moscow. At the same time, he argued that the regional tensions leave Russian President Vladimir Putin in a diminished strategic position, describing him as “a weak ally” who “talks, but doesn’t act.”
Despite heightened global tensions, Zelenskyy said a trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the United States and Russia remains tentatively planned for early March. However, he indicated the location may change from Abu Dhabi. He mentioned Geneva, Austria, the Vatican and Turkey as possible alternative venues.
The Ukrainian leader also addressed friction within the European Union over the Druzhba oil pipeline, which has become a point of dispute between Kyiv and several EU member states.
Hungary and Slovakia have criticized disruptions to the pipeline, which transports Russian oil into Central Europe. Zelenskyy said the pipeline is currently inoperable due to Russian bombing damage and told Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico that repairs would require a ceasefire.
“To repair it, a ceasefire is needed and this must be made clear to Putin,” Zelenskyy said.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Fico have maintained diplomatic engagement with Moscow throughout the conflict, including visits to Russia. On Monday, Fico requested an urgent meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss the pipeline situation and also spoke by phone with Zelenskyy regarding a potential in-person meeting.
On Tuesday, Orban called on the European Commission to intervene, warning he could block European Union decisions related to Ukraine until the pipeline dispute is addressed.
Zelenskyy’s remarks reflect mounting concern in Kyiv that widening geopolitical conflicts could complicate military supply chains at a pivotal stage in Ukraine’s war effort, while diplomatic maneuvering continues across Europe and beyond.