The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, expressed concerns that ongoing conflicts in the Middle East are overshadowing the situation in Ukraine and inadvertently strengthening Russia’s position. His remarks were made during the EU Ambassadors’ Conference.
Costa emphasized the importance of a multidimensional foreign policy and proactive engagement with the international community to uphold the principles of the UN Charter and international law. He asserted that the EU must remain a steadfast defender of the international order, urging against unilateral actions and highlighting the necessity of multilateral solutions in global politics.
He pointed out that the war in the Middle East, particularly actions by Iran and its allies, poses serious threats to the region and diverts focus from Russia’s war against Ukraine.
“Currently, there is only one winner in this war – Russia. It is gaining new resources to fund its war against Ukraine as energy prices rise. It profits from redirecting military potential that could otherwise support Ukraine. And it benefits from reduced attention to the Ukrainian front as the conflict in the Middle East takes center stage,”
he added.
Costa also highlighted the EU’s role in protecting human rights and civilian populations, advocating for peaceful conflict resolution and ensuring nuclear security. He stressed that unwavering EU support across financial, political, diplomatic, and security fronts is essential for strengthening Ukraine and achieving a just peace.
He urged all nations to exercise restraint, avoid escalating conflicts, and return to negotiation processes, noting that global stability and Europe’s security are closely linked to support for Ukraine.
In related military developments, on February 28, Israel launched an attack on Tehran, Iran’s capital. Following this, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American forces had initiated a “major combat operation” against Iran aimed at eliminating imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime. He accused Iranian authorities of funding and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
Trump outlined that the military operation’s objectives include dismantling Iran’s missile industry and navy, as well as preventing destabilization worldwide. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported launching missiles and drones towards Israel and attacking U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
In the wake of these military actions, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council. The EU reiterated its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that it is fair to give Iranians a chance to rid themselves of a “terrorist regime” and ensure safety for all nations affected by attacks from Iran.
On March 1, the IRGC announced the commencement of the “most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. military bases. Trump warned the Iranian regime to abandon 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. By March 6, Trump called for a complete change in Iran’s leadership, stating 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 late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. Trump declined to comment on this election, merely stating, “We’ll see what happens.” He had previously remarked that the new Iranian leader would not last long without approval from the White House.
Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, warned that conflicts in the Middle East are detracting from the focus on Ukraine, thereby benefiting Russia. He emphasized the need for a unified EU response to uphold international law and support Ukraine amidst escalating tensions.