Ukraine Fears Losing US Support as Focus Shifts to Iran War

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kraine is increasingly concerned that shifting global attention toward the Middle East could weaken crucial support from the United States, as its war with Russia enters a prolonged and critical phase.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Kyiv does not want to “lose the Americans,” emphasizing that Washington is “without question” more focused on developments in the Middle East.

Zelensky expressed fears that U.S. military engagement in the region—particularly strikes involving Iran—could delay or reduce the delivery of key weapons and defensive supplies to Ukraine.

“The risk is very high,” he said, noting that the volume of munitions being used elsewhere could directly impact Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities.

After more than four years of war with Russia, Ukraine remains heavily dependent on Western military assistance, especially from the United States.

Ukraine assisting in the Middle East

In a notable development, Zelensky revealed that Ukrainian drone experts are currently assisting countries in the Gulf region in defending against Iranian attacks.

Led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, several Ukrainian teams are providing consultations and technical guidance.

According to Zelensky, the United States had requested this support multiple times, highlighting Ukraine’s growing expertise in countering Iranian-designed drones—technology widely used by Russia in its attacks.

In an interview with Fareed Zakaria, Zelensky claimed that Russia has been supplying Iran with drones and related technology.

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on reports that Moscow may be sharing intelligence with Iran about U.S. military movements.

Ukraine has significantly advanced its air defense capabilities in response to sustained drone and missile attacks, developing both electronic warfare systems and interception technologies.

Zelensky said Ukraine is ready to share its technological advancements with the U.S., proposing a joint initiative involving dozens of companies to develop advanced interceptor systems.

However, he noted that discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump have not yet produced a clear commitment.

Seeking alternatives in Europe

With uncertainty over U.S. support, Ukraine is exploring other options, including the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defense system.

Zelensky described SAMP/T as “the only alternative in Europe” capable of potentially intercepting ballistic missiles, though its effectiveness remains to be fully tested.

Zelensky also criticized the Trump administration’s decision to allow limited purchases of Russian oil, arguing that easing sanctions would strengthen Moscow economically.

“I believe that lifting sanctions on Russia will not help the world; it will only help Russia,” he said, claiming the country earned around $10 billion in just two weeks from oil sales.

Ukraine, he added, will continue targeting Russian energy infrastructure while working with allies such as Emmanuel Macron to curb Russian oil revenues.

Despite ongoing fighting, Zelensky said Russia has failed to achieve major breakthroughs in its recent operations. Ukrainian forces, he noted, have recently regained some territory, marking a shift after months of setbacks.

He also warned that Russia plans to mobilize up to 400,000 troops annually but insisted Ukraine aims to neutralize a comparable number.

Zelensky addressed political tensions with neighboring Hungary, stating that Ukraine is willing to work with any future leadership—provided it is not aligned with Vladimir Putin.

He criticized current Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for maintaining close ties with Moscow and obstructing European Union support for Ukraine.

(Source: CNN)