The US and Israeli operation in Iran could serve as a “good signal” for Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during an online briefing on Monday, March 2.
Zelensky argued that Russia has already demonstrated its weakness as an ally, recalling events in Syria when Putin failed to save the Assad regime. According to him, a similar pattern is now unfolding.
“In my opinion, they have demonstrated their weakness now – they are worthless as allies,” Zelensky said, revealing that Russia cannot meaningfully assist partners because its armed forces are fully concentrated in Ukraine.
“They don’t have any more forces. And what is happening in Iran, I think, is a good signal for Putin to see how dictatorship ends,” he added.
Zelensky also told journalists that the escalating situation in the Middle East has not affected US weapons supplies to Ukraine under the PURL program, including deliveries of scarce PAC-3 interceptor missiles for Patriot systems.
He said he recently discussed the issue with partners, including the German chancellor, and has received no indications of delays.
“Everyone understands that for us, this is our life. The PURL program is working… so far, everything is going as planned,” Zelensky said, while acknowledging that a prolonged and intense conflict could eventually impact air defense supplies.
He added that planned talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States – tentatively scheduled for March 5-6 in Abu Dhabi – have not been canceled, though the venue cannot yet be fully confirmed due to ongoing hostilities.
“The meeting must take place. It is important for us,” Zelensky said, emphasizing that both the talks and prisoner exchanges remain a priority.
The president also confirmed that Ukraine is processing requests from citizens seeking evacuation from the Middle East amid the escalation. He said the Foreign Ministry, intelligence services, and other agencies are working to assist those in need.
Earlier, Zelensky called for regime change in Iran amid US and Israeli military operations targeting the country.
In a Sunday update on X, Zelensky said Ukraine is “closely monitoring every change in the situation surrounding Iran” and stressed that “it is crucial that this opportunity for change for Iran is properly seized.”
He criticized Tehran for supplying Russia with Shahed drones used against Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure, adding: “This regime, which has killed tens of thousands of its own citizens in recent months alone… has brought this attitude upon itself.”
Zelensky also condemned Iran for aligning with Russia, saying Saturday Tehran “chose to become Putin’s accomplice,” enabling Moscow to launch over 57,000 Shahed-type drones against Ukraine, and sharing the technology so the Kremlin can built its own.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha echoed the criticism, stating that Ukraine “always stands with the Iranian people” and highlighting Tehran’s decades of supporting militant groups and oppressing its own citizens.
The statements came after the US and Israel launched “Operation Epic Fury,” striking multiple Iranian targets.
Iranian state media confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had led the country since 1989, was killed in the initial strikes.