Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently stated that Russia has accrued approximately $10 billion in just two weeks due to the ongoing military operations by the United States and Israel against Iran. This financial influx, he suggested, emboldens President Vladimir Putin in his continued military actions in Ukraine.
In an interview with CNN, Zelensky explained that despite facing sanctions from the U.S. and the European Union, along with Ukraine’s long-range strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, Russia is projected to encounter a deficit exceeding $100 billion by 2026. This situation has been somewhat alleviated by a temporary halt in U.S. sanctions on Russian oil.
On March 12, the U.S. issued a 30-day license allowing the purchase of Russian oil and petroleum products that were previously stranded at sea. The U.S. Treasury Department believes this measure will help stabilize global energy markets.
Zelensky also revealed that Russia has provided Iran with not only intelligence for attacks on U.S. military bases in the Middle East but also Shahed-type drones, which Iran had previously licensed to Russia.
“I have 100 percent evidence that the Iranian regime has used them against American bases and against our neighbors in the Middle East. They have utilized these drones. We have seen intelligence data shared with us, and there were Russian components in these Iranian drones,” the President stated.
When asked about Ukraine’s willingness to supply weapons to the U.S. and Middle Eastern countries, Zelensky affirmed this readiness. He mentioned ongoing communications with the United States, as well as discussions with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan. He emphasized Ukraine’s experience with mass attacks at the onset of the war and reiterated the country’s commitment to assist American and Middle Eastern allies in protecting civilian lives. Zelensky noted that he has dispatched three large teams of military experts to aid in countering Iranian Shahed drones.
On February 28, Israel launched an attack on Tehran, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to announce a “major military operation” against Iran aimed at eliminating perceived threats from the Iranian regime. Trump accused Iranian authorities of financing and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
The operation’s objectives include dismantling Iran’s missile industry and naval capabilities to prevent further destabilization of global security. In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have launched missiles and drones toward Israel and attacked American military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In light of the escalating military actions, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting, while the European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
President Zelensky expressed support for giving the Iranian people a chance to rid themselves of a “terrorist regime” and to guarantee security for all nations affected by Iranian attacks. On February 28, Trump declared the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
On March 1, the IRGC announced the initiation of what it termed the “most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and American military bases. Trump warned the Iranian regime against these plans, threatening a “very strong response.” On March 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the next phase of military operations against Iran would be even more devastating.
On March 6, Trump called for a complete overhaul of Iran’s leadership, stating that he had several candidates in mind for a “good leader.” On March 8, Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the slain ayatollah, as the third supreme leader of the Islamic Republic. Trump declined to comment on this selection, merely stating, “Let’s see what happens.” He had previously suggested that the new Iranian leader would not last long without the approval of the White House.
Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasized Russia's financial gains amid U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran, which he believes bolster Putin's resolve in Ukraine. He also discussed Ukraine's readiness to assist allies in countering Iranian threats.