Peace process on hold
Talks between Ukraine and Russia aimed at ending the war have stalled, the Kremlin confirmed, appearing to validate Kyiv’s concerns that the conflict in Iran could derail progress.
U.S.-mediated negotiations paused
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Izvestia that the U.S.-mediated three-way talks are “on hold.” However, he noted that economic cooperation discussions between Moscow and Washington continue, with potential joint projects estimated at $14 trillion. Negotiations on prisoner swaps are also ongoing.
Iran conflict affects timing
The last round of talks took place in February in Geneva. A new session scheduled for March 5 in Abu Dhabi was postponed indefinitely following U.S. and Israeli military actions in Iran, which have escalated tensions in the region.
Ukrainian concerns
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed a “very bad feeling” about the impact of the Iran crisis on peace talks, noting repeated postponements. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed Zelensky’s concerns, stressing that the Ukraine conflict must remain a focus despite developments in the Middle East.
Russia benefits amid distraction
Russia is gaining some advantage from the Iran situation, with rising oil prices boosting energy revenues and diverting global attention from its military campaign in Ukraine.
Also read: Ukraine missile shortage feared amid Middle East war
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