Germany and Britain warn: Middle East conflict benefits Russia's "war chest"

During a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) in Berlin, the defense chiefs of Germany and the United Kingdom issued a stark warning: global attention to tensions in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz is serving as a dangerous distraction from Russian aggression in Ukraine.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that the destabilization of the Persian Gulf is directly helping to finance the Russian invasion.

"Russia is benefiting from current developments in the Middle East. The rise in oil prices is pouring money into Putin's war coffers ," Pistorius said, adding that Moscow is using these profits to finance attacks against the Ukrainian people.

Pistorius underlined that de-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz is a fundamental interest, but there are currently no signs of a quick solution, which makes it vital that allies do not "waver" in their support for Kiev.

New aid packages, missiles and drones

Despite the parallel crises, Berlin and London confirmed new strategic commitments. Germany will send hundreds of Patriot guided missiles over the next four years and additional launchers for the IRIS-T systems.

UK Defense Secretary John Healey announced plans to send around 120,000 drones to Ukraine, noting that this technology is determining the fate of the war.

Ukraine is not an exporter of military experience

A new element that emerged from the meeting was appreciation for the assistance that Ukraine is providing to the Gulf states. After four years of confronting Iranian Shahed-style suicide drones, Kiev is sharing its air defense expertise with partners in the Middle East. British Secretary Healey praised Ukraine for this contribution, quoting Ukrainian Minister Fedorov that in the last 24 hours alone, Russia had launched 1,000 drones towards Ukraine.

Hopes for political change in Hungary

A turning point at the European level is expected to be the unblocking of EU financial aid. Pistorius expressed optimism that after the elections in Hungary and the victory of Péter Magyar, the blockade on the €90 billion loan package will be lifted soon. These funds would enable Ukraine to provide equipment on a sustainable basis and rebuild its destroyed infrastructure.

At the meeting, which was also attended by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, it was reiterated that the partnership with Ukraine has transformed from purely military support into a "reliable strategic partnership" that serves global security.

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