BackWORLD
The Iran war has strengthened Ukraine in surprising ways. Could a ceasefire with Russia be closer?
The article portrays Ukraine as leveraging the Iran conflict to bolster its defense partnerships with Gulf and European states, while Western politics and energy markets shift in ways that could pressure Russia toward talks. It links diplomatic moves, new loans, and changing political dynamics to a potential path to a ceasefire.
Why It Matters
Ukraine's expanded alliances and easier access to military financing may affect the dynamics of negotiations with Russia, potentially bringing ceasefire talks closer in the face of shifting international support.
Timeline
10 Events
Trump says a Ukraine ceasefire could be reached relatively quickly
April 29, 2026
In a discussion about Ukraine, former President Donald Trump said he was confident a ‘solution’ could be reached relatively quickly after a ‘very good’ conversation with Vladimir Putin, while noting that some people have made it difficult for a deal.
Ukraine alleges impact on Russia’s energy revenue from drone strikes
April 2026
Kyiv asserted that Ukrainian long-range drone strikes on Russia’s energy infrastructure have reduced Russian earnings, amid the Iran war and rising oil prices, following a period of revenue growth earlier in the conflict.
Zelensky urges Gulf states to share air defence missiles
April 2026
Zelensky told Le Monde that Gulf states should have opportunities to strengthen Ukraine and that Kyiv would welcome air defence missiles from them to compensate for shortfalls in Western stocks.
Ukraine signs defence cooperation with Germany
April 2026
A second European defence agreement was announced with Germany, valued at about $4.7 billion, covering drones, missiles, software and modern defence systems.
Ukraine signs defence cooperation with Norway
April 2026
Ukraine signed a defence cooperation agreement with Norway worth a substantial package (around $8.6 billion) as part of a broader support package through 2030, including drones, missiles, software and modern defence systems.
Hungary election leads to new leadership; pro-Russia stance shifts
April 2026
Hungary elected a new, less Russia-friendly leadership after Viktor Orbán’s government was defeated in elections held in April, assisting the EU loan’s release and broader European support for Kyiv.
EU-backed €90bn loan approved for Kyiv
April 2026
Kyiv secured approval for a €90 billion EU-backed loan to purchase and produce military equipment, a move described as urgently needed for Ukraine’s ongoing defence needs, aided by a change in Hungary’s leadership.
Zelensky visits Saudi Arabia again in April 2026
April 2026
Zelensky traveled to Saudi Arabia again in April, highlighting continued Gulf-state concerns about Iranian missile and drone attacks and reinforcing Ukraine’s efforts to bolster regional defence collaboration.
Ukraine signs drone cooperation deals with Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar
March 2026
Ukraine announced that it had signed deals with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar to share drone expertise and technology, aiming to broaden alliances and benefit from defence-related business with Gulf states.
Zelensky visits Saudi Arabia in March 2026
March 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky walked down a lilac carpet in Saudi Arabia in March, signaling a push to strengthen humanitarian protection and Kyiv’s international profile amid the Iran war. He posted on X that the visit aimed to “strengthen the protection of lives” and showcased Ukraine’s drone warfare capabilities as it sought partnerships in the Gulf.