Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, has expressed concern that US diplomatic focus on the Iran conflict is slowing peace efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine and disrupting the supply of critical military equipment.
Speaking to German public broadcaster ZDF on Tuesday, Zelensky said US negotiators currently involved in Middle East diplomacy have shifted their attention away from Ukraine, making it harder to push forward peace negotiations with Vladimir Putin.
US Negotiators ‘Have No Time’ For Ukraine, Zelensky Says
Zelensky said that US officials Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who had earlier been involved in talks with Moscow to end the war in Ukraine, are now heavily focused on negotiations related to Iran.
“They are constantly in talks with Iran,” Zelensky said, describing the two officials as “pragmatic” but adding that their current priorities have limited attention on Ukraine.
He warned that insufficient pressure on Russia could embolden Moscow.
“If the United States does not put pressure on Putin and only engages in a gentle dialogue with the Russians, then they will no longer be afraid,” Zelensky said.
Peace Talks Stalled As Iran War Intensifies
Efforts led by the United States to broker peace in Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II have slowed significantly since the Iran conflict escalated in late March.
Russian and Ukrainian negotiators have not held direct talks since February in Geneva, further raising concerns about the lack of diplomatic momentum.
Zelensky said the diversion of global attention toward the Middle East crisis had complicated Ukraine’s diplomatic and military situation.
Ukraine Facing ‘Big Problem’ Over US Arms Deliveries
Zelensky warned that delays in US weapons shipments pose a serious threat to Ukraine’s defence capabilities.
“The issue of deliveries of US arms to Ukraine has become a big problem,” he said.
He stressed that the shortages are particularly critical for air defence systems, which are essential to counter missile and drone attacks.
“If the war goes on, there will be less arms for Ukraine. It’s critical, especially in materials for air defences,” he added.
During a press conference in Norway, Zelensky specifically highlighted shortages of PAC-3 interceptor missiles and PAC-2 missiles.
These systems are primarily funded through the PURL programme, launched last year to enable European countries to finance US equipment deliveries to Ukraine.
“At the very beginning of the war in the Middle East, we understood that we can have challenges,” Zelensky said, adding that deliveries have been moving “slowly,” leaving Ukraine in a “very difficult position.”
Ukraine And Norway Strengthen Defence Partnership
Zelensky made the remarks alongside Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Norway, during an official visit.
The two leaders announced a joint declaration on enhanced defence and security cooperation, aimed at boosting military collaboration between their countries.
According to the Norwegian government, the agreement includes plans to expand cooperation between Norwegian and Ukrainian defence industries.
One major outcome of the deal is the decision to manufacture Ukrainian drones in Norway, strengthening Kyiv’s domestic and allied defence capabilities.
Germany-Ukraine Strategic Partnership Announced
Earlier in the day, Zelensky visited Berlin, where he met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and senior ministers to discuss the ongoing war against Russia, now entering its fifth year.
During the visit, Germany and Ukraine announced a strategic partnership focused on defence cooperation, reinforcing support for Kyiv amid continued battlefield and diplomatic challenges.