Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that efforts to end the war in Ukraine cannot be delayed until the conflict in Iran is resolved, calling such an approach a "great risk."
In an interview with CNN, Zelensky emphasized that although technical talks with the U.S. are ongoing, he sees no possibility for high-level meetings until the Iran issue is settled. He added that it is challenging that the same American team, led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is simultaneously handling both conflicts.
Zelensky warned that Ukraine must not be left "for later," stressing that his country is already in a deep crisis and requires immediate international attention.
He noted that the war in Iran has also affected weapon supplies to Ukraine, particularly the shortage of anti-ballistic missiles due to limited production capacities in the U.S.
Speaking just hours after the European Union preliminarily approved a 90-billion-euro loan for Kyiv, Zelensky called this funding a matter of "life and survival."
According to him, the lack of funds is limiting weapons production, despite existing capacities.
He gave the example of drone interceptor production, saying Ukraine currently produces about 1,000 units per day, while the capacity is twice as high, but the lack of funding hinders increasing production.
The EU loan was unblocked after the resumption of oil flow through the Druzhba pipeline and following political changes in Hungary, where former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had previously blocked the agreement.