ISTANBUL – Zelenskyy Voices Concerns Over U.S. Support Amid Ongoing Conflicts

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is worried that a drawn-out U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran might further weaken American backing for Ukraine. This concern arises as the shifting priorities in Washington could lead to a decrease in the crucial deliveries of Patriot air defense missiles that Ukraine heavily relies on.

In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, Zelensky emphasized the urgent need for the U.S.-made Patriot systems to fend off Russia’s relentless attacks. Since its full-scale invasion over four years ago, Russia has ruthlessly targeted Ukrainian cities, resulting in substantial civilian casualties, and has severely disrupted energy supplies to stunt the production of drones and missiles.

“We must acknowledge where the focus lies today,” he remarked. “And that’s why I’m anxious that if the war with Iran continues, our support may wane.”

Talks facilitated by the U.S. between Moscow and Kiev collapsed without any significant progress. Zelensky accused Russia of dragging its feet during negotiations while maintaining military pressure, and mentioned that Ukraine is still in touch with U.S. negotiators in the hopes of reaching a resolution and boosting security.

Yet, Zelensky noted that even these discussions are indicative of a broader issue in Ukraine’s focus.

He asserted that the immediate priority lies in acquiring Patriots, crucial for intercepting Russian missiles, as there’s currently no viable alternative available.

“Initially, the quantity was inadequate, and if the situation in Iran doesn’t resolve soon, I truly believe our supply, which is not very substantial to begin with, is going to get even smaller,” he stated, adding, “So, yes, we are concerned.”

Zelensky was looking toward European allies to assist in procuring Patriots, especially given the tight supplies and limited manufacturing capacity in the U.S.

However, the prolonged conflict in Iran, now entering its sixth week, has had significant repercussions for the global economy, further straining these limited resources and exposing Ukrainian cities to enhanced risk from ballistic strikes.

A key objective for Ukraine is to diminish Russia’s economic stability, which rising oil prices due to the Iran blockade threaten to undermine by boosting Kremlin revenues.

In his comments, Zelensky noted that U.S. sanctions on Russian oil haven’t provided much relief, allowing Russia to benefit from the unrest caused by regional wars.

“They’re gaining extra funds from all this, which is definitely in their favor,” he observed.

Reports emerged over the weekend about drone strikes causing a fire at a Russian oil refinery and damaging a pipeline at a significant export terminal, though there were no casualties.

As the energy crisis escalates, Russia may find itself in a favorable position to benefit from temporary waivers of U.S. oil sanctions, with Asian nations increasingly vying for Russian crude.

In retaliation, Ukraine has intensified its long-range drone assaults on Russian oil infrastructure, trying to keep the pressure on Moscow.

To maintain Ukraine’s visibility on the international stage, Zelensky has offered to share the country’s battlefield insights with the U.S. and its partners to formulate effective countermeasures against Iranian threats.

Ukraine has been responding to Russia’s use of Iranian-made Shahed drones with advanced techniques, producing its own innovative, cost-effective counter-drones.

President Zelensky mentioned Ukraine’s readiness to collaborate with Gulf states targeted by Iran, proposing to exchange experiences on interceptor and maritime drones—emphasizing Ukraine’s capacity to produce more than can be financed by allies.

In exchange, those countries might help Ukraine with “anti-ballistic missiles,” he suggested.

As the intensity of the conflict in Iran surged, Zelensky visited Gulf nations to highlight Ukraine’s expertise in countering Iranian drone threats, leading to a new defense cooperation agreement.

Zelensky has also positioned Ukraine as a potential partner in the safeguarding of global trading routes, offering to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz using its experience from securing the Black Sea maritime corridor.

In Istanbul, where he met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan—who had recently conferred with Russian President Vladimir Putin—Zelensky discussed peace negotiations and the potential for a summit in Turkey, along with a forthcoming defense accord between Ukraine and Turkey.

As warmer weather approaches, Russia is expected to intensify its military campaigns; however, capturing further Ukrainian cities has proven challenging, with only marginal advances in rural locations. Currently, Russia occupies roughly 20% of Ukraine, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.

Along a 1,250-kilometer front line, small Ukrainian forces are bracing for a major Russian offensive. Ukrainian military chief General Oleksandr Shirsky reported that Russian forces are attempting to breach defense lines in several critical areas simultaneously.

A recurring theme from Zelensky has been the firm stance that Ukraine will not entertain territorial compromises or ceding land.