Washington: Efforts to negotiate an end to Russia's war against Ukraine have slowed as the United States shifts its attention to a growing conflict with Iran, leaving Ukrainians and their allies considering what comes next for diplomacy and the battlefield. Both Kyiv and Moscow confirmed that another round of trilateral talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States has been postponed.
According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, the discussions, which have already been held three times this year to address territorial questions and security guarantees following a potential cease-fire, were expected to resume in early March. However, scheduling the negotiations has become difficult due to the uncertainty of US officials' availability, as stated by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
The pause in negotiations coincides with the Trump administration's reallocation of significant resources toward the conflict with Iran, including the redeployment of air-defense systems and other military assets to the Gulf region. Concerns have been raised in Washington that Ukraine might slide down the list of strategic priorities, potentially strengthening Russia's position. At a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, lawmakers questioned whether the Middle East crisis could indirectly benefit Vladimir Putin.
Military officials acknowledged the strategic trade-offs, with Alexus G. Grynkewich, commander of US European Command and NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, noting that resources, including air-defense capabilities, have been redirected to the Middle East as Iranian drones and missiles threaten US forces and regional allies. Rising oil prices linked to the crisis could also benefit Moscow, as Russia's war effort heavily relies on energy revenues. In response, the Trump administration temporarily loosened sanctions on Russian oil.
Former US diplomats believe the shift in focus is temporary. William B. Taylor Jr., a former US ambassador to Ukraine, said the US administration is likely prioritizing the Iran conflict for now, but once it subsides, it will need to refocus on ending Russia's aggression. He suggested that renewed sanctions on Russia's energy exports and expanded military support to Ukraine could pressure the Kremlin to halt the fighting, despite a formal peace agreement remaining unlikely.
John E. Herbst, another former ambassador to Ukraine, noted that the Middle East crisis could weaken Moscow's strategic position. He highlighted that Iranian drones, used by Russia against Ukrainian cities, are now posing challenges for US and allied defenses in the Middle East, drawing attention to Ukraine's experience in countering such weapons. Countries in the Gulf region are exploring Ukrainian drone technologies and defenses.
The situation also has the potential to strain Russia's relationship with Washington. US and allied intelligence agencies have suggested that Moscow might be providing Iran with information or technology used in regional attacks, allegations that the Kremlin denies. In the Senate, Mitch McConnell emphasized the interconnectedness of global conflicts, highlighting the alignment among US adversaries.
As Ukraine faces uncertainty, analysts suggest that the pause in negotiations may only delay the next phase of diplomacy. Former diplomats argue that once the Middle East crisis subsides, the US will again face the challenge of ending the largest land war in Europe since World War II, whether through negotiations, economic pressure, or expanded military support to Kyiv.