Ukraine is gradually transforming from a recipient of aid to an active participant in global security cooperation. Kyiv is ready to share its experience in combating Iranian drones, while allies are using this experience in their own operations. At the same time, the Kremlin is trying to politicize conflicts in the Middle East in order to influence the negotiation process regarding the war. Calls for stronger defense and greater strategic autonomy are increasingly heard in Europe.
Ukrainian military to help counter “Shaheeds” in the Middle East
Ukrainian specialists may soon join the fight against Iranian drones in the Middle East. Presidential Communications Advisor Dmytro Lytvyn reaffirmed, that the preparation process for this is already underway, answering journalists’ questions with the phrase: “Everything is moving towards that.” This is a request from the United States for specific assistance to Ukraine in the field of combating “Shaheed” drones. Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Washington had made such a request to Kyiv.
The Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council emphasizes that the participation of Ukrainian specialists in protecting American facilities demonstrates a high level of trust in Ukraine from allies. The head of the Center, Andriy Kovalenko, noted that the Ukrainian military has unique experience in combating drones gained during the war. According to him, the use of Ukrainian technologies and approaches to countering UAVs is often cheaper and more effective than the use of expensive missiles.
The Kremlin is using the situation in the Middle East to discredit negotiations on Ukraine, - ISW
The Kremlin is actively using the escalation in the Middle East to undermine the role of the United States as a mediator in negotiations on the war against Ukraine. The report by the Institute for the Study of War notes, that Russian officials criticize the operations of the United States and Israel against Iran and try to link them to the war in Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Washington is allegedly trying to destabilize the region and drag the Gulf states into conflict. He also drew parallels with the war in Ukraine, claiming that the West has allegedly dragged Kyiv into a conflict with Russia.
ISW analysts note that such rhetoric can be used by the Kremlin to justify the possible failure of peace talks. The Russian authorities are forced to balance between the desire to drag out the negotiation process and the reluctance to provoke new sanctions from the United States. At the same time, Moscow is trying to maintain relations with its partners, in particular with Iran, which is an adversary of the United States.
The United States allowed India to temporarily buy Russian oil
The US Treasury Department has granted Indian oil refineries a 30-day exemption from sanctions on the purchase of Russian oil. participants to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the decision was made to maintain the stability of the global energy market. He explained that this only concerns oil that is already at sea and cannot be quickly redirected to other markets. Washington believes that this temporary step will not bring significant financial benefits to the Russian government.
Bessent also stressed that India remains an important US partner, and Washington expects further growth in purchases of American oil. According to him, the temporary easing of sanctions is designed to reduce tension in the energy market. The statement also mentions the role of Iran, which, according to US estimates, is trying to influence global energy supplies.
Czech President Calls on Europe to Take More Responsibility for Its Own Security
Czech President Petr Pavel said, that Europe must take its own defense seriously and stop relying solely on the US. Speaking at a security conference in Prague, he stressed that the United States has already begun to shift most of the responsibility for the continent's security to the Europeans. According to him, this is not a new trend, as American leaders have been warning about it for decades. Pavel noted that the current situation only confirms the need for rapid and decisive changes.
The Czech president also stressed that European countries must fulfill their own obligations within NATO. He noted that one cannot expect full implementation of Article 5 if the states themselves do not fulfill their share of collective responsibility. According to him, Russia already openly views European countries as adversaries and is waging a conflict against them, although not yet in the form of a full-scale war. Pavel stressed that strengthening defense capabilities is a necessary condition for preserving peace.
Rutte: Strikes on Iran may reduce its support for Russia's war against Ukraine
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said, that US and Israeli operations against Iran could weaken Tehran’s ability to support Russia’s war against Ukraine. He recalled that Iran was one of the key suppliers of drones that Russia uses in combat operations. According to Rutte, pressure on the Iranian regime could limit Tehran’s ability to export weapons and technology. This, in turn, will affect Russia’s ability to continue attacks.
Rutte also noted that Ukraine’s experience in combating drones has become an important source of knowledge for NATO partners. He emphasized that drone technologies and countermeasures developed and tested during the war are now being used by allies in other regions. According to the Secretary General, these developments are already helping partners in the Middle East.
Photo: ARD
Author: Danylo Pievchev