UK and Ukrainian leaders call for focus on Ukraine amid Iran conflict

UK President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London to sign a new defense pact. The agreement aims to enhance global defensive capabilities against low-cost, high-tech military hardware.

Starmer welcomed Zelenskyy at his official residence and emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict in Iran. He stated that NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte would also join the meeting to discuss peacemaking efforts in Ukraine.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, reiterating Turkey’s offer to host Russia-Ukraine talks. The discussion focused on regional risks and energy security.

The US-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine have lost momentum due to the conflict in Iran. The war is also affecting Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russian ballistic missiles, with over 200 Ukrainian experts currently assisting countries in downing Iranian drones.

Ukrainian counterattacks along the front line had reportedly constrained some Russian offensive operations, according to a Washington-based think tank. However, a recent Russian attack damaged industrial and energy infrastructure facilities in Ukraine’s Odesa region.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy expressed hope that Ukraine’s expertise in drone interception could be leveraged to obtain necessary defense systems against Russian ballistic missiles.

Source: Al Jazeera