Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced concerns that a protracted conflict in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran, could divert crucial international attention and resources away from Ukraine. He fears this shift in global priorities may lead to reduced Western support, including a decrease in critically needed air defence systems.

Information was available with The Chenab Times that President Zelenskyy articulated these anxieties in an exclusive interview with The Associated Press in Istanbul, highlighting Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. He emphasized the urgent need for more American-made Patriot air defence systems to counter Russia’s persistent aerial bombardments, which have inflicted significant civilian casualties and targeted Ukraine’s infrastructure.

Speaking on the ongoing war, which has surpassed four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion, Zelenskyy stated, “We have to recognise that we are not the priority for today.” He further expressed his apprehension that “a long (Iran) war will give us less support.” Ukraine relies heavily on these advanced air defence systems to intercept ballistic missiles, a capability for which no effective alternative currently exists for Kyiv.

The Ukrainian President noted that the supply of Patriot systems has been insufficient from the outset. He warned that if the conflict in the Middle East is prolonged, the limited package of aid allocated to Ukraine is likely to diminish further over time. “That’s why, of course, we are afraid,” he admitted.

Zelenskyy had been optimistic about securing additional Patriot systems through European partners, despite tight supply chains and limited US production capabilities. However, the ongoing Middle East war, now in its sixth week, has sent significant shockwaves through the global economy. The conflict has drawn in much of the wider Middle East region, further straining already limited resources, diverting existing stockpiles, and potentially leaving Ukrainian cities more vulnerable to ballistic missile attacks.

Kyiv’s strategic objective includes weakening Moscow’s economy and making the war prohibitively costly for Russia. However, surging oil prices, exacerbated by potential disruptions to critical shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz, could inadvertently benefit the Kremlin by boosting its oil revenues and enhancing its capacity to sustain its war effort. Zelenskyy pointed out that Russia could derive economic advantages from the Middle East conflict, citing potential easing of sanctions on Russian oil as a contributing factor.

In an effort to maintain Ukraine’s position on the international agenda, President Zelenskyy has offered to share Ukraine’s hard-earned battlefield expertise with the United States and its allies. This knowledge sharing aims to develop effective countermeasures against aerial threats, particularly those involving Iranian-made drones. Ukraine has demonstrated growing sophistication and technological ingenuity in countering Russia’s evolving use of Shahed drones, developing low-cost interceptor drones as a response.

Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine is prepared to share its experience and technology, including interceptor and sea drones, with Gulf Arab countries targeted by Iran. In return, he suggested these nations could provide Ukraine with anti-ballistic missiles. In late March, as the Middle East conflict escalated, Zelenskyy undertook a tour of Gulf Arab states to promote Ukraine’s unique experience in combating Iranian-made drones, which has led to new defense cooperation agreements.

Ukraine has also positioned itself as a potential partner in safeguarding global trade routes, offering assistance in reopening vital maritime corridors. Zelenskyy proposed sharing Ukraine’s experiences in securing maritime corridors within the Black Sea. The Ukrainian President was in Istanbul for discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, following Erdogan’s recent conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy stated that peace talks and a potential leaders’ meeting in Istanbul were discussed, and new defense deals between Ukraine and Turkey could be finalized soon.

Russia typically escalates its offensive operations with the onset of improved spring weather. Despite its efforts, Russia has been unable to capture major Ukrainian cities and has achieved only incremental territorial gains. Approximately 20 percent of Ukraine remains under Russian occupation, including the Crimean Peninsula, annexed by Russia in 2014. On the approximately 1,250-kilometer front line, Ukrainian defenders are preparing for a renewed offensive from Russia’s larger military force. The commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces reported recent simultaneous attempts by Russian troops to breach defense lines in several strategic locations. President Zelenskyy reiterated that territorial compromise or the cession of land will not be on Ukraine’s agenda.