Zelensky Claims Russia Wants Middle East Conflict to Continue to Weaken U.S. Support for Ukraine

Ukrainian President **Volodymyr Zelensky** has claimed that Russia wants the conflict in the Middle East to continue in order to limit U.S. support for Ukraine. Speaking in an interview with American media, Zelensky also alleged that more than **1.5 million Russian soldiers** have been killed since the war began.

Zelensky accused Moscow of supplying Iranian-made drones that were later used against Israel in the Middle East. He said Ukrainian intelligence indicates that Russia benefits from prolonged instability in the region because it diverts American attention and resources away from Ukraine.

Responding to questions about the outcome of the war, Zelensky insisted that Ukraine is not losing. He said preserving the country’s independence and freedom is itself a victory, adding that Ukraine has neither been defeated nor has Russia achieved its objectives.

The Ukrainian president further claimed that over **1.5 million Russian troops** have been killed since the start of the conflict. While declining to provide detailed figures on Ukraine’s military losses, he said around **50,000 Ukrainian soldiers** have been killed, approximately **400,000** have been wounded, and a significant number remain missing.

The Russia-Ukraine war began on **February 24, 2022**, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, triggering a prolonged conflict that has resulted in heavy casualties and widespread destruction.

> **Note:** The casualty figures and allegations cited above are claims made by President Zelensky and have not been independently verified.