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Zelensky: Ukraine Talks Can't Wait for Iran Conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned CNN that postponing peace negotiations for Ukraine until the Iran conflict concludes presents a major risk. He pointed out the concern that the same U.S. negotiating team is managing discussions on both crises, necessitating parallel attention to Ukraine's war efforts. Furthermore, Zelensky emphasized that the recently approved €90 billion EU loan is vital for Ukraine's defense capabilities. He detailed how the lack of funding is directly impeding the production of critical military supplies, such as drone interceptors, which are essential for the nation's survival.

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Zelensky: Ukraine Talks Can't Wait for Iran Conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that delaying peace talks for Ukraine until the Iran conflict concludes poses a significant risk, emphasizing that Kyiv's immediate needs cannot be sidelined. Speaking to CNN, Zelensky stressed the urgency of addressing the war in Ukraine concurrently with other international issues.

Urgency of Ukrainian Negotiations

During an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour, Zelensky addressed the focus on the Middle East, stating that while technical talks with the United States are ongoing, he does not see an opportunity to meet until the situation in Iran is resolved.

  • Shared Negotiating Team: Zelensky highlighted that the same team of U.S. negotiators—including envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner—is leading discussions on both the Iran situation and the war in Ukraine.
  • Parallel Focus Required: He asserted that while he understands U.S. focus on Iran, it is crucial not to neglect Ukraine, stating, "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."
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Critical Need for EU Funding

Zelensky also addressed the severe impact of delayed financial aid, noting that the war has disrupted the supply of key weaponry, particularly anti-ballistic missiles.

  • Life and Survival: Speaking shortly after the EU approved a crucial €90 billion loan, Zelensky framed receiving the funds as a matter of "life and surviving" for Ukraine.
  • Loan Delays: The loan, promised months prior, faced significant delays due to opposition from Hungary's outgoing Prime Minister, Victor Orbán, who demanded Ukraine resume Russian oil transit into Europe.
  • Production Impact: Zelensky explained that without the funds, Ukraine struggles to manufacture necessary weaponry. He cited drone interceptors as an example, noting that while Ukraine has the capacity to produce 2,000 units daily, funding limitations restrict output to approximately 1,000 units per day.

Context on EU Loan Approval

The approval of the €90 billion loan followed a shift in the political landscape in Hungary. The resumption of oil transit via the Ukrainian section of the Druzhba pipeline and preliminary agreement from EU ambassadors cleared key hurdles that had previously stalled the aid package.

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