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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concern that escalating tensions between Israel and Iran could undermine international support for Ukraine's war effort, warning that similar regional conflicts have previously slowed military assistance to Kyiv.
"We would like to see aid to Ukraine not decrease because of this," Zelenskyy said in remarks published Saturday. "Last time, this was a factor that slowed down aid to Ukraine."
His comments came after Israel launched extensive strikes on Iran Friday, targeting nuclear facilities, military installations and senior officials, including atomic scientists and high-ranking generals. The attacks have prompted international calls for restraint amid growing fears of wider regional conflict.
The Israeli operations triggered a sharp increase in global oil prices, which Zelenskyy said would economically benefit Russia amid its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
"The attacks led to a sharp rise in oil prices. This is bad for us," Zelenskyy said, reiterating calls to introduce price caps on Russian oil exports. He added that he hoped to raise the issue of price caps at a potential meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in the near future.
However, the Ukrainian leader noted that Israeli strikes might also benefit Kyiv if they reduce military equipment supplies from Tehran to Moscow, which has relied heavily on Iranian-made attack drones.
Zelenskyy also warned that European support was stalling without Washington's engagement, saying, "Europe has not yet decided for itself what it will do with Ukraine if America is not there."
He urged the United States to "shift tone" in its dialogue with Russia, warning that it was "too warm" now and would not help end the war.
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