Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is warning that escalating U.S. involvement against Iran could threaten the steady flow of American weapons that Kyiv relies on to fight Russia.
In an interview with Italy's Corriere della Sera newspaper, Zelenskyy said a previous round of fighting between Israel and Iran last year "slowed down" arms deliveries to Ukraine.
"This time, it has not happened yet, but I fear it could," he said.
Zelenskyy argued that broader conflict in the Middle East could strain Western resources, even as Ukraine remains locked in its grinding war with Moscow.
At the same time, he claimed the situation leaves Russian President Vladimir Putin "weaker," calling him "a weak ally" who "talks, but doesn't act."
Despite rising global tensions, Zelenskyy said a trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia is still tentatively planned for early March. However, he suggested it may no longer be held in Abu Dhabi.
Instead, he floated potential European locations Geneva, Austria, the Vatican, and Turkey.
Zelenskyy also pushed back on criticism from Hungary and Slovakia over the Druzhba oil pipeline, which has become another flashpoint inside the European Union.
He insisted the pipeline is not operating because of Russian bombings and said he told Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico that repairs would require a ceasefire.
"To repair it, a ceasefire is needed and this must be made clear to Putin," Zelenskyy said.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Fico have been among the few EU leaders to maintain engagement with Moscow during the war, including visits to Russia.
On Monday, Fico requested an urgent meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss the pipeline. He also spoke by phone with Zelenskyy about the possibility of meeting in person.
On Tuesday, Orban called on the European Commission to intervene as well, warning he could block EU decisions related to Ukraine until the pipeline dispute is resolved.
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