Ukraine-Iran wars draw more countries in as battlefield links deepen
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Saudi Arabia (Photo: Zelenskiy / Official / Telegram)
The wars in Ukraine and Iran are becoming increasingly
intertwined, drawing more countries into both conflicts, The
Guardian reported on April 2.
The two wars are now so closely connected that some analysts
say they are beginning to merge, and that one is increasingly affecting the
course of the other.
From Ukraine’s perspective, that link is not new. Russia
began using Iranian-made Shahed drones in September 2022. What is new, the
article said, is Moscow’s support for Tehran: Russia is now sending Iran
intelligence, targeting systems and drones.
Another cross-regional link between the conflicts emerged
during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s trip to the Middle East, where security
cooperation agreements were signed.
The wars are also colliding on global energy markets, The
Guardian said. The closure of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz sent oil
and gas prices sharply higher, benefiting Moscow and throwing a lifeline to the
Russian economy as pressure on it mounted. The article also noted that
President Donald Trump’s administration had eased some restrictions on Russian
oil exports.
The conflicts have become so interconnected that events on
one battlefield now clearly affect the other, the newspaper said, underscoring
concern in Europe over being drawn into an expanding war in the Middle East.
At the same time, the Trump administration has been
reluctant to acknowledge that link, continuing to favor Moscow despite
increasingly strong evidence of Russian support for Iran.
“However, the deepening of Russian involvement in Iran’s
defense will place new pressure on Trump’s pro-Russian instincts,” The Guardian
wrote.
For the Kremlin, the article said, support for Tehran offers
a way to restore its geopolitical position after a series of setbacks.
Interconnected regional conflicts are still far from turning
into a world war, William Spaniel, an associate professor of political science
at the University of Pittsburgh, said in comments to the newspaper. But they
are tying the outcomes of military operations more closely together and will
have long-term consequences for how battle lines are drawn, he said.
On March 26, Zelenskyy arrived in Saudi Arabia. He later
announced the signing of a defense cooperation agreement between the two
countries’ defense ministries.
On March 28, the Ukrainian leader visited the United Arab
Emirates and Qatar, where he met with their leaders. Zelenskyy said Ukraine had
signed a 10-year strategic cooperation agreement with Qatar and would later
conclude a similar agreement with the Emirates.
On March 29, Zelenskyy discussed security issues with
Jordan’s King Abdullah II.
On March 30, he said Ukraine had reached agreements during
talks with Gulf leaders on mutual assistance in defense and energy. The 10-year
agreements include, among other things, the supply of naval drones.
Will you support Ukraine’s free press?
Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations.
As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility – to amplify Ukraine’s voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation.
It’s the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine.
If you’re willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda.
Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd.
If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly.
There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting.
We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If you’re willing to stand up for the truth – consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much.
Will you help tell Ukraine’s story to the world?
Twenty years ago, most people hadn’t even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyone’s lips and everyone’s headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of – from music and culture to technology.
We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If you’re willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
