Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia has become the major winner from the United States-Israeli conflict with Iran.
The Donald Trump administration recently gave countries 30 days to buy Russian oil and petroleum products that were stuck at sea due to sanctions.
This move was meant to help lower rising oil prices caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Russia has faced US and European sanctions since it began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Analysts said that relaxing the sanctions would give Moscow huge funds could be used for its war in Ukraine.
When asked if Russian President Vladimir Putin is benefiting from the relaxation of sanctions, which has been criticized by many European nations, Zelenskyy told the BBC:
“Putin wants a long war. For Putin, the Iranian campaign is a plus. Besides high energy prices, it also means the US is running out of resources and the companies that make air defence systems are also facing shortages – so there’s a lack of resources overall.
“So, it’s good for Putin that the resources aren’t being used against Ukraine, which is where he’s sending his army and fighting. He needs to weaken US and this is a long process. One way to do that is the Middle East.”
Putin wants long war – Ukraine’s Zelenskyy names biggest beneficiary in Iran conflict