Kyiv’s Calculated Move: How Ukraine Capitalized on the Middle East War
Smoke from a residential building damaged during a Russian drone strike rises over the city, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine January 1, 2025. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
At the beginning of the conflict in the Middle East, it seemed likely to have negative consequences for Ukraine, but Kyiv managed to turn the situation to its advantage.
This is reported by the BBC.
It was initially assumed that a war in the Middle East would distract the US from negotiations on Ukraine and boost Russia’s revenues through rising oil prices.
“But Kyiv has consistently lived up to international expectations since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. And now it has done it again: deftly trying to turn the impact of the war with Iran to its advantage,” the publication notes.
According to journalists, Ukraine has intensified cooperation with Middle Eastern countries, offering solutions to counter Iranian Shahed drones. Europe has also strengthened defense agreements with Ukraine.
In addition, Kyiv has stepped up attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure. According to the publication, this was initially accompanied by an increase in Russia’s oil revenues, but later attacks by Ukrainian UAVs reduced Russian revenues by approximately $1 billion.
It is also noted that the global situation contributed to the unblocking of the EU loan to Ukraine of 90 billion euros, which had been blocked by Hungary. At the same time, despite these changes, the war remains exhausting, and the situation on the front continues to shape the parties’ positions in any possible negotiations.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said the United States is currently focused on Iran, not Russia’s war against Ukraine. However, he did not provide a specific answer regarding the prospects for peace talks.
By the way, the EU Council approved amendments to the European Union’s long-term budget, which will allow Ukraine to receive a loan of 90 billion euros in 2026-2027. Hungary lifted its veto after the resumption of Russian oil transit through the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Recall that global oil markets have come under pressure due to the war between the US, Israel, and Iran, which has affected pricing. According to experts, prices may not return to levels previously considered “normal.”
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