Zelenskyy Expresses Concern Over Global Focus Shift Amid Ongoing Russian Attacks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stark warning that the escalating war in the Middle East is detrimental to Ukraine's interests, as it diverts international attention and crucial military resources away from the ongoing conflict with Russia. Speaking to students at Sciences Po university in Paris on Friday, Zelenskyy emphasised that while the world's focus shifting to the Middle East is understandable, it is "not good for Ukraine."
Urgent Need for Anti-Aircraft Missiles Highlighted
Kyiv is particularly concerned about the impact on its urgent requirement for anti-aircraft missiles, which are now being used in large quantities in the Gulf region to counter Iranian missiles and drones. Zelenskyy stressed that this diversion of military assets could weaken Ukraine's defence capabilities against continued Russian aggression.
In a related development, the Ukrainian president met with Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last shah, in Paris. Zelenskyy posted on social media platform X that "Ukraine truly wants to see a free Iran that will not cooperate with Russia or destabilize the Middle East, Europe, and the world." He expressed gratitude for Pahlavi's assurances of support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Diplomatic Talks Face Postponement
Zelenskyy revealed that the United States has sought to postpone the latest round of three-sided talks aimed at settling Ukraine's four-year conflict with Russia. According to Ukrainian media reports, American negotiators are currently not permitted to leave the US due to circumstances in the Middle East. Russia had reportedly proposed alternative locations in Switzerland or Turkey instead of the US.
US Eases Russian Oil Sanctions Temporarily
In a move that underscores how the Middle East conflict is benefiting Moscow, the US has temporarily eased some sanctions on Russian oil. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a 30-day lifting of sanctions on Russian oil already aboard tankers, allowing customers in other countries to purchase it without fear of sanctions punishment.
This decision, intended to calm jittery markets over disrupted Middle Eastern oil and gas supplies, highlights how the Iran war has enhanced Moscow's ability to profit from energy exports—a crucial pillar of the Kremlin's budget as it continues its invasion of Ukraine. The Trump administration had previously granted a similar 30-day reprieve to refineries in India.
Continued Russian Attacks Cause Casualties
Meanwhile, Russian military actions continue to inflict casualties across Ukraine. In the Dnipropetrovsk region, Russian shelling killed one person and wounded six, according to regional governor Oleksander Ganzha. Further southeast in Zaporizhzhia region, governor Ivan Fedorov reported four people injured in a Russian attack near the region's main town.
Across the border in Russia's Belgorod region, governor Vyacheslav Gladkov stated that one resident died in a Ukrainian strike on a village just inside the Russian border.
Russia Designates Khrushchev Descendant as "Foreign Agent"
In a separate development, Russia has named Nina Khrushcheva, the US-based great-granddaughter of former Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, as a "foreign agent." This term, which carries connotations of spying, is applied by Moscow to individuals it views as engaged in anti-Russian activity.
Khrushcheva, a 62-year-old professor at The New School university in New York who has continued research trips to Russia since the 2022 invasion, told Reuters she was not surprised by the designation. "It would have been sloppy on their part not to do this sooner or later," she remarked, adding that it was too early to assess the practical impact. Russia's "foreign agent" list now contains 1,164 names, including politicians, journalists, artists, NGOs and media organisations.
The situation in Kramatorsk also remains dire, with buildings heavily damaged in Russian air attacks on Friday, underscoring the ongoing devastation as Ukraine continues to plead for international support amidst competing global crises.
