The recent joint operation by the US and Israel against Iran is already significantly affecting the course of the war that Russia is waging against Ukraine. Amid the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, European officials are expressing concern over the diminishing US interest in resolving the Russian-Ukrainian confrontation, which could complicate the supply of Western weapons to the Ukrainian military.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Postponement of Decisions on Eurointegration and Funding
Due to the intensification of hostilities in the region, particularly following the attack by an Iranian drone on a British airbase in Cyprus, a meeting to discuss Ukraine’s accession process to the European Union has been postponed. Nevertheless, European diplomats promise to expedite the transfer of necessary documents to Ukraine for the continuation of eurointegration.
At the same time, the issue of using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s reconstruction remains unresolved since late 2025. An alternative funding package of 90 billion euros was blocked by Hungary in February. Without additional financial support, Ukraine may face a budget deficit as early as April.
Threat of Reduced Military Support
If the US is forced to engage in a prolonged conflict in the Middle East, it is likely that the supply of missiles for Patriot systems will decrease, which is already raising concerns among Ukrainian leadership.
One European diplomat, speaking to Politico, confirmed that “it will be difficult to maintain attention.”
Furthermore, senior officials from European governments are warning that the prolongation of the war could compel the administration of US President Donald Trump to bolster its own arsenals, negatively impacting the volume of military aid to Europe and Ukraine.
A planned round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which was to take place with US participation on March 5-6 in Abu Dhabi, has also been postponed due to the escalation of the situation.
Donald Trump stated that the operation is ahead of schedule, but if necessary, it could last longer than four weeks. He identified the main goals of the US as depriving Iran of the capability to develop nuclear weapons, destroying its missile program, and limiting support for armed groups in the region.
Since the start of the operation on February 28, Israel and the US have intensified pressure on Iran, and in response, Iranian military forces have launched strikes not only against Israel but also against infrastructure in the region. In particular, the QatarEnergy terminal and the Saudi Aramco oil refinery in Saudi Arabia were attacked. As a result of the incident, QatarEnergy halted the production of liquefied natural gas and other products.
As a result of the Iranian attacks, six American soldiers have died, along with civilian casualties in regional countries. According to the Red Crescent, about 800 people have died in Iran itself.