The only winner from this war in Iran may be the autocrat sitting in the Kremlin
The only winner from this war in Iran may be the autocrat sitting in the Kremlin Credit: Ralf Hirschberger/AFP
Published 15 March 2026
Just a few weeks ago, Nato marked the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine with fresh pledges of solidarity and assistance. Today, as war rages in the Gulf, it risks becoming the forgotten conflict.
Ukraine watches on as sophisticated weapons it could use against the invader are fired at cheap Iranian drones and the oil price rises to levels that can only help its adversary. Worse, the sanctions that were stopping Russia selling its oil are being eased by America to address the supply problems caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
For President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian leader, these are worrying times. Russia’s coffers will be replenished by the sale of oil while the US depletes its stock of armaments. Although little military help was coming from Washington any longer it was at least open to Nato to purchase American weaponry to help Ukraine. That option is being closed off.
President Zelensky was in Paris at the weekend for talks with President Macron in an effort to refocus European attention on what was until a fortnight ago considered the great existential threat, namely the expansionist ambitions of Vladimir Putin. Now, with the global economy facing an uncertain fate, he is entitled to fear for his country’s future.
President Macron confirmed his unwavering support for Ukraine; but with a French naval taskforce heading to the Gulf he will inevitably have other preoccupations. Ed Miliband, Labour’s Energy Secretary, said Britain remained committed to Ukraine and distanced himself from the decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil. “It is important we continue to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people.” But they want more than a show of solidarity.
While Western leaders insist the Middle East conflict will not divert attention from Ukraine, that is precisely what is happening, at least where the Americans are concerned. President Trump, notoriously capricious, has moved on to other matters. It is now up to the Europeans to fill the void.
One thing they could do is release frozen Russian assets worth billions and let Ukraine use them for its military. A 90bn euro credit programme, agreed by the EU in December, is being blocked by Hungary, which demands the resumption of Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline, something Mr Zelensky says is blackmail. This needs to be resolved or the only winner from this imbroglio will be the autocrat sitting in the Kremlin.
“Ukraine watches on as sophisticated weapons it could use against the invader are fired at cheap Iranian drones and the oil price rises to levels that can only help its adversary. Worse, the sanctions that were stopping Russia selling its oil are being eased by America to address the supply problems caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.”
That makes me feel blood boiling anger.