European Council: Russia is the Biggest Beneficiary of the Middle East War

European Council President Antonio Costa stated today, Tuesday, that Russia is currently the biggest beneficiary of the ongoing war in the Middle East, noting that the repercussions of the conflict have led to rising energy prices and shifted some international attention away from the war in Ukraine.

Costa explained in a speech delivered to EU ambassadors in Brussels that "there is only one winner in this war so far, and that is Russia," referring to the indirect gains Moscow is achieving from the escalation in the region.

Ukrainian Warnings of Diminished International Attention

The European official's remarks came at a time when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of a decline in international interest in the war in his country due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine is ready for a new round of peace talks with Russia under U.S. sponsorship "at any time," but he pointed out that the focus of international partners is currently on the Iranian crisis, noting that Washington requested to postpone a meeting that was scheduled in this context.

Accusations Against Moscow of Exploiting the Escalation

In a post on the X platform, Zelensky accused Russia of trying to exploit developments in the Middle East for political gains, stating that Moscow "is attempting to manipulate the situation in the region for its benefit."