Russia betting on war in Iran: Zelenskyy reveals Putin’s main plan
Russia is counting on a prolonged war in the Middle East to divert attention from Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says.
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Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Oleh Ivashchenko
The Kremlin’s key strategy is currently to escalate and prolong the conflict in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region.
Zelenskyy cited a report from the head of the Defence Intelligence, Oleh Ivashchenko.
According to the president, Moscow intends to exploit a possible extended U.S. military operation in the region to distract global focus from the war in Ukraine.
Kremlin’s geopolitical strategy
Intelligence indicates that Russia’s strategy seeks to weaken international pressure to the maximum.
«Currently, Russia’s main strategy is to increase the risks of a prolonged war in the Middle East and Gulf region to reduce pressure on Russia over the war in Ukraine, circumvent partner sanctions, and gain additional resources through oil and gas price fluctuations. There is evidence Russia intends to discuss lifting energy sanctions completely, ” Zelenskyy said.
Ukraine is already planning countermeasures and preparing to brief international partners. The Defence Intelligence has also been tasked with stepping up monitoring and limiting Russian military production.
Head of the Defence Intelligence Oleh Ivashchenko
Hidden Russian losses
The report included internal Russian documents assessing front-line losses. According to classified official reports, Russia’s irrecoverable losses — killed and seriously wounded — total 1,315,000.
Breakdown of losses:
- 62% killed
- 38% wounded
Zelenskyy says Ukraine has reason to believe these figures may be understated. The intelligence also provided updated information on expanding military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.