U.S. operation against Iran and its impact on Ukraine war — Zelenskyy’s Office

Russia is increasing tensions in the Middle East by providing support to Iran in its confrontation with the U.S. and Israel. This situation may impact regional security as well as the progress of peace talks and the outlook for ending the war in Ukraine.

This view was expressed by Mykhailo Podolyak, Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, 24 Kanal reports.

According to Podolyak, in fact, U.S. President Donald Trump’s position on Russia has not changed following recent events. He still perceives president Vladimir Putin as an influential leader, although the current situation does not confirm this.

Russia is losing influence in the Middle East: who will replace it

The advisor to the head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office also believes that Moscow’s statements on events in the Middle East currently appear meaningless, as it has no real influence in the region.

Putin does not act as a mediator between Iran and the United States, so decisions on further steps will be made without the Kremlin.

The only country capable of intervening effectively is China.

«If China can pressure the remnants of the Khamenei regime and force Iran to stop blocking the Strait of Hormuz, then it will become another player in the situation in the Middle East, ” Podolyak noted.

Russia, on the other hand, he said, is not seriously considered an influential player. On the contrary, it is expected to hinder conflict resolution and try to prolong it. Putin is interested in «freezing» the current state of affairs and maintaining instability for as long as possible.

It is known that Russia has long been cooperating with Iran and North Korea in the war against Ukraine, and Kyiv’s partners are aware of this. At the same time, Trump continues to pursue a «soft policy» toward Putin.

Trump’s stance toward Putin is expected to harden

Podolyak says that as the U.S. gains more success in wars, Washington’s approach to Putin will become stricter. Over time, Trump’s perception of the Kremlin’s significance will fade.

«The U.S. leader is already reducing Russia’s military and economic presence in Latin America and the Caribbean. This is important for security reasons. Intense talks are also ongoing concerning Greenland. The U.S. will expand its presence there, ” the advisor to the head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office said.

He also points out that limiting Russia’s and China’s access to the so-called Northern Sea Routes is a separate issue. All of this relates to global dominance. If the U.S. and Israel continue operations against Iran, they could fully remove Russia from the region, significantly impacting the global energy market.

The war in Ukraine will gradually «reset» Russia

«Regarding Ukraine, I think there is no doubt that this is the key war. Yes, there is the Middle East and other conflicts, but the key war for Russia, after which its gradual reset will begin, is the war in Ukraine, ” Podolyak satressed.

Podolyak says the war should end according to the formula proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: a halt of hostilities along the front line and the provision of reliable security guarantees for Kyiv.

These guarantees will form the basis for deterring Russia and serve as a tool of pressure on the Kremlin in the post-war security system.