Explainer: As Zelensky backs Trump's war against Iran, how will it impact Ukraine?

Zelensky backs Trump’s Iran war — but Ukraine may see little in return by Oleg Sukhov March 2, 2026 10:47 PM 10 min read Smoke plumes rise following missile strikes in Tehran, Iran, on March 1, 2026. (Atta Kenare / AFP / Getty Images) Politics by Oleg Sukhov Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was one of the first world leaders to back the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, which started on Feb. 28. For Ukraine, the choice was logical: Iran is a Kremlin ally that has backed Russia's aggression against Ukraine and supplied drones to Moscow. Moreover, Zelensky is seeking to curry favor with U.S. President Donald Trump and show that Ukraine is a reliable ally, analysts say. "We support the United States in this operation in order to demonstrate our partnership-oriented attitude toward the U.S., and to play on the objective contradictions that are emerging between the U.S. and Russia," political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko told the Kyiv Independent. Become a member – go ad‑free "Russia is an ally of Iran , and we are demonstrating that we are on the side of the United States." But it is unclear whether this strategy will work. Trump's hostility towards Russian allies like Iran and Venezuela has not yet affected his relationship with the Kremlin. Moreover, Trump has been reluctant to antagonize Moscow and take a more pro-Ukrainian stance in peace talks. Meanwhile, the war in Iran may have a negative impact on Ukraine by diverting Washington's attention and draining its resources. This could pull the plug on U.S. weapon sales to Kyiv. Become a member – go ad‑free "If the Islamist regime is not toppled — and the chances are not high at the moment — we are facing a protracted conflict, which will be diverting resources away from Ukraine," Ryhor Nizhnikau, a Russia expert at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, told the Kyiv Independent. "The longer the war lasts and the more regional instability it brings, the worse it is for Ukraine." read also Initial succ...