The international situation around Ukraine is becoming more complicated due to a combination of military, political and economic factors. The conflict in Iran is already affecting aid supplies and global markets, while tensions are rising within NATO. In parallel, attempts are underway to resume the negotiation process and determine further steps regarding the war.
Humanitarian aid deliveries to Ukraine disrupted by the conflict in Iran
The delivery of private humanitarian aid from the US to Ukraine has been delayed by weeks due to disruptions to global logistics routes related to the conflict in Iran. Volunteer organizations reported an extension of transit by almost a month and changes in sea routes due to risks in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. The increase in transportation costs by 10-25% is forcing budgets to be reallocated, reducing the purchase of necessary equipment. This affects the volume of aid, including the supply of medical supplies and generators to frontline areas.
Representatives of charitable organizations note that containers with equipment are delayed, and logistics are becoming less predictable. “These kits are extremely necessary,” the organization’s director general Yuriy Boyechko said in a comment to Radio Liberty. Volunteers also report complications in multi-level logistics chains and rising costs, which directly affects the speed and scale of aid.
Zelensky warned of increased pressure on Ukraine until September
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, that in the coming months, Ukraine may face increased political and military pressure. According to him, the spring and summer months, when attempts to organize trilateral negotiations are underway, may be key. He noted that the United States has its own political deadline related to internal processes, which will also affect the dynamics of the negotiations. At the same time, the president stressed that Ukraine understands its national interests and approaches to ensuring security.
Zelensky added that in the event of de-escalation, a trilateral meeting could be held in the spring or early summer. He stressed the importance of pressure on Russia from partners during this period. The head of state also drew attention to a possible NATO summit, which could become an important stage for the allies. “I think it will be very difficult for us until September,” the president said, describing the expected situation at the political and military levels.
Trump disappointed with NATO over the operation against Iran, – Rutte
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said, що президент США Дональд Трамп висловив розчарування союзниками через недостатню підтримку під час операції проти Ірану. За словами Рютте, не всі країни надали необхідну логістику, бази та дозволи на використання повітряного простору. Водночас він підкреслив, що більшість держав виконали свої зобов’язання. Зустріч у Білому домі він охарактеризував як відверту і відкриту.
Rutte also reported that NATO countries are coordinating actions to ensure the safety of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. He explained the US position on the operation, noting that delaying the negotiations could lead to a critical situation. After the meeting, Trump said that NATO had not supported the US properly, and once again hinted at the possibility of changing relations with the Alliance. Rutte also noted that the issue of Ukraine's accession to NATO is currently not on the agenda due to the positions of individual countries.
Zelensky announced a new trilateral meeting on ending the war
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on the preparation of a new trilateral meeting on ending the war in Ukraine. According to him, the negotiation process was delayed due to events in the Middle East, but the parties have already agreed to hold a meeting in the near future. He noted that the negotiations could take place after the visit of the relevant delegations. Previous contacts with US representatives took place in the format of a video call.
The President also stated that the finalization of security guarantees, in particular the financing of the army and the supply of air defense systems, is underway. He stressed the need to agree on a military package and obtain the necessary weapons from partners. Separately, Zelensky drew attention to the issue of the US reaction in the event of repeated aggression from Russia. “What specific reaction will be from the US or the US and European colleagues – we are still working on these issues,” he said.
Putin’s special envoy Dmitriev arrived in the US for negotiations – Reuters
Putin’s special representative Kirill Dmitriev is in the US, where he is holding meetings with representatives of the Donald Trump administration. According to Reuters, the parties are discussing a possible peace agreement on Ukraine, as well as economic cooperation between the US and Russia. The visit takes place on the eve of the expiration of the sanctions exemption for the purchase of Russian oil. This creates additional context for the negotiations.
As noted, the US had previously introduced a 30-day exemption for transactions with Russian oil already on tankers. According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant, this decision was aimed at stabilizing the energy market against the background of the situation in Iran. Negotiations between the parties cover both the war in Ukraine and broader economic aspects. Dmitriev's visit comes against the backdrop of increased diplomatic contacts between the parties.
Photo: Radio Svoboda
Author: Danylo Pievchev