The peace process between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by the United States, has reached a dead end. Washington's priorities have shifted to the conflict with Iran, which has already led to pauses in negotiations and delays in the supply of critical weapons to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This is reported by Financial Times.
As the FT reports, due to the escalation in the Middle East, the United States has effectively suspended active participation in the negotiation process regarding Ukraine.
The next round of meetings, scheduled for early March, did not take place, and a new date has not yet been set. European diplomats say that such a shift in focus is extremely dangerous for Kyiv.
"The Middle East has seriously diverted political attention from Ukraine. For us and for Ukraine, this is a disaster," — The publication quotes the words of one of the EU diplomats.
Air defense and ammunition shortages
In addition to political support, the White House's change in priorities has hit Ukraine's defense capabilities.
According to sources, deliveries of air defense systems will be delayed as the US gives preference to other customers.
The EU's chief diplomat, Kaia Kallas, confirmed the existence of the problem.
“This is definitely a problem because there is actually competition for the same assets, both in the Middle East and in Ukraine,” Kaya Callas told the FT.
The Kremlin's position and the "pause" in the dialogue
Russia is taking advantage of the situation, reaping excess profits from rising oil prices and reduced sanctions pressure.
The Kremlin openly states that the American side is currently busy with other issues.
"There has really been a pause in the negotiations. The Americans have other priorities, and that's understandable," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, adding that Russia continues to advance on the front to achieve its goals.
