From crisis to advantage: Ukraine turns Middle East war to its favor

Ukrainian officials are using shifting global dynamics to reposition themselves both militarily and diplomatically, reports Digi24.ro.

Turning crisis outward

As attention drifted toward the Middle East, concerns grew in Kyiv that support from Washington might weaken while Russia benefited from rising oil prices. Instead, Ukrainian leadership moved quickly to adapt.

President Volodymyr Zelensky embarked on a series of visits to Gulf nations, presenting Ukraine not just as a country at war, but as a source of battlefield-tested expertise, particularly in countering drones.

Digi24 reports that agreements have since been reached with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, opening the door to defense cooperation and economic partnerships.

New alliances form

The outreach comes as Gulf states themselves face drone and missile threats linked to regional tensions. Zelensky framed Ukraine as a potential security partner. “We want to help the Gulf countries defend themselves,” he said. “And we will continue to build such partnerships with other countries.”

Interest in Ukraine’s experience is not limited to the Gulf. European countries, increasingly exposed to drone incursions, have also expanded defense cooperation with Kyiv.

Battlefield economics

The conflict in Iran also reshaped the economic battlefield. Disruptions in global energy flows initially boosted Russian oil revenues, especially after restrictions were temporarily eased to stabilize markets.

However, Ukraine responded by intensifying strikes on Russia’s energy infrastructure, using long-range drones to target export capacity.

According to figures cited by Zelensky, these attacks erased a significant portion of Moscow’s gains, with billions of dollars in losses recorded since the start of the year.

Lessons from war

Kyiv has also drawn tactical insights from events in the Persian Gulf, particularly the impact of targeting energy facilities.

Yet some analysts caution that visible damage may not reflect strategic impact. Chris Weafer of Macro-Advisory told The Independent that striking storage tanks creates dramatic explosions but is less disruptive than hitting critical infrastructure like pumping systems, which are more heavily protected.

This suggests Ukraine may need to refine its targeting to maximize long-term effects.

Political ripple effects

The wider crisis has influenced European politics as well. A major EU loan worth 90 billion euros, previously blocked, was approved after political changes in Hungary, where energy price shocks fueled voter dissatisfaction.

For Kyiv, the funding is crucial for sustaining arms production and procurement.

Still, uncertainty remains over peace efforts. Zelensky has criticized the lack of high-level US engagement in Kyiv, calling it “disrespectful,” even as talks continue behind the scenes.

Fragile path forward

Analysts say Ukraine’s strengthened position could matter in eventual negotiations, though much depends on broader geopolitical developments.

Luke Cooper of the London School of Economics told the BBC that Russia’s war effort comes at a high cost with limited gains. “If Russia had had a rational government, it would have ended the war,” he said.

He added that decision-making in Moscow is concentrated around President Vladimir Putin, complicating prospects for compromise.

For now, Ukraine is leveraging every external shock it can, turning a distant war into a strategic advantage closer to home.

Sources: Digi24, BBC, The Independent

This article is made and published by August M, who may have used AI in the preparation