Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that efforts to end the war with Russia must not be put on hold while tensions involving Iran continue, emphasizing the urgency of ongoing peace negotiations.
In an interview with CNN, Zelensky said he remains open to a ceasefire with Russia but does not expect quick progress, noting that U.S. attention has recently shifted toward the Middle East.
Speaking with journalist Christiane Amanpour, he said he does not “see the opportunity” for meaningful talks until the situation around Iran is resolved or a broader ceasefire is achieved between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
He described it as a significant challenge that the same U.S. negotiating team—led by envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner—is handling both the Iran-related tensions and Ukraine peace efforts.
While acknowledging Washington’s current focus on Iran, Zelensky stressed that Ukraine’s situation cannot be pushed aside.
“Ukraine is not ‘a little bit later.’ Ukraine is already in such a big tragedy. We have to find a way to manage this in a parallel way,” he said.
He also revealed that the war has disrupted supplies of key weapons, particularly anti-ballistic missile systems, pointing to limited production capacity in the United States.
Zelensky underscored the importance of continued financial assistance, describing it as vital to Ukraine’s survival.
His remarks came shortly after the European Union approved a €90 billion loan package to support Ukraine’s economy and defense. The funding had previously been delayed due to opposition from Viktor Orbán, but progress followed recent political developments in Hungary and the resumption of oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline.
Zelensky said the funds are crucial for boosting domestic weapons production, noting that Ukraine could double its drone interceptor output if sufficient financing were available.
“But we don’t have the funding. It’s really a question of our life, of surviving,” he said, stressing the urgency of sustained international support.
