Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced significant apprehension that a protracted war between the United States, Israel, and Iran could severely undermine American support for Ukraine. In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press conducted late Saturday in Istanbul, Zelenskyy highlighted how shifting global priorities in Washington might leave Kyiv vulnerable as it braces for reduced deliveries of critically needed Patriot air defense missiles.
Ukraine's Desperate Need for Air Defense Systems
Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine urgently requires more U.S.-made Patriot systems to counter Russia's daily missile barrages. Since Russia's full-scale invasion over four years ago, relentless attacks on urban areas have killed thousands of civilians and targeted energy supplies, disrupting industrial production of drones and missiles while depriving civilians of heat and running water in winter.
"We have to recognize that we are not the priority for today," Zelenskyy stated. "That's why I am afraid a long (Iran) war will give us less support." This sentiment reflects a broader loss of focus on Ukraine, even as discussions with U.S. negotiators about potential peace deals and security guarantees continue.
Immediate Concerns Over Patriot Missiles
The President's most pressing worry centers on the Patriots, which are essential for intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. Ukraine lacks an effective alternative, and these systems were never delivered in sufficient quantities initially. Zelenskyy warned that if the Iran conflict does not end soon, "the package — which is not very big for us — I think will be smaller and smaller day by day." He added, "That's why, of course, we are afraid."
Interlinked Wars and Global Economic Impact
Zelenskyy had hoped European partners would assist with Patriot purchases despite tight supply and limited U.S. production capacity. However, the Iran war, now in its sixth week, has sent shockwaves through the global economy, pulling in much of the wider Middle East region. This further strains already limited resources, diverts stockpiles, and leaves Ukrainian cities more exposed to ballistic strikes.
For Kyiv, a key objective is to weaken Moscow's economy and make the war prohibitively costly. Surging oil prices driven by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz are undermining this strategy by boosting the Kremlin's oil revenues and strengthening Russia's capacity to sustain its war effort. Zelenskyy noted that Russia draws economic benefits from the Mideast conflict, citing the limited easing of American sanctions on Russian oil. "Russia gets additional money because of this, so yes, they have benefits," he said.
A Renewed Diplomatic Push
To keep Ukraine on the international agenda, Zelenskyy has offered to share Ukraine's hard-earned battlefield expertise with the United States and allies to develop effective countermeasures against Iranian attacks. Ukraine has met Russia's evolving use of Iranian-made Shahed drones with growing sophistication, technological ingenuity, and low-cost solutions. Moscow modified the original Shahed-136, rebranded as the Geran-2, to enhance its ability to evade air defenses and be mass-produced. Ukraine responded with quick innovation, including low-cost interceptor drones designed to track and destroy incoming drones.
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is ready to share its experience and technology, such as interceptor drones and sea drones, with Gulf Arab countries targeted by Iran. In return, these countries could help Ukraine "with anti-ballistic missiles." In late March, as the Iran war escalated, Zelenskyy visited Gulf Arab states to promote Ukraine's experience in countering Shahed drones, leading to new defense cooperation agreements. He has also positioned Ukraine as a potential partner in safeguarding global trade routes, offering assistance in reopening the Strait of Hormuz by sharing experiences from securing maritime corridors in the Black Sea.
Regional Diplomacy and Military Developments
Zelenskyy was in Istanbul for talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a day after the Turkish leader spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin. They discussed peace talks and a possible meeting of leaders in Istanbul, with Zelenskyy noting that new defense deals between the two countries could be signed soon.
Meanwhile, Russia is stepping up its spring offensive. Each year as weather improves, Russia intensifies its grinding war of attrition, though it has been unable to capture Ukrainian cities and has made only incremental gains in rural areas. Russia currently occupies about 20% of Ukraine, including the Crimean Peninsula seized in 2014.
On the roughly 1,250-kilometer (750-mile) front line across eastern and southern Ukraine, short-handed Ukrainian defenders are preparing for a new offensive by Russia's larger army. Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces, reported that Russian troops have recently made simultaneous attempts to break through defense lines in several strategic areas.
Zelenskyy reiterated one unwavering stance: a territorial compromise and giving up land will not be on Ukraine's agenda. He insists on maintaining this position as Ukraine navigates the complex geopolitical landscape shaped by interlinked conflicts and shifting international support.
