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The escalation between Iran and Israel heightens global geopolitical tensions and shifts international focus away from Russia’s war against Ukraine. As a result, Kyiv now has to fight not just for military aid, but also to remain a priority on the world stage. Dive in this topic with Ihor Petrenko, founder of the “United Ukraine” Think Tank, Doctor of Political Sciences, in his article for The Gaze.
First of all, Petrenko states that Ukraine is already familiar with being pushed out of the global spotlight. When the Gaza war began in October 2023, media attention rapidly shifted, and debates over new aid for Kyiv became entangled in U.S. domestic politics. In 2024, the House of Representatives delayed a $60 billion support package for months. Now, following missile strikes between Iran and Israel, there is a significant risk of history repeating itself.
Global media attention is limited. As more crises emerge, less coverage is available for Ukraine. This decline in visibility weakens political pressure, slows discussions on new support, and deepens the sense of “war fatigue” across Western societies.
Furthermore, political scientist emphasizes that Israel, a key U.S. ally, is now seeking extra air defense systems, missiles, ammunition, and air support following Iran’s large-scale attack. But Ukraine also urgently needs these same weapons. Even before this escalation, Kyiv was grappling with severe supply shortages—ammunition was scarce, and missile stockpiles only lasted a few days. A temporary suspension of U.S. aid only made things worse.
Now, with Israel entering the race for support, the pressure on U.S. defense production is intensifying. Can the American military-industrial complex sustain two major conflicts at once? That remains uncertain—and for Ukraine, time lost in finding that answer could cost lives. Defense contractors like Raytheon and Lockheed Martin are already operating at full capacity.
This situation creates direct competition between Israel and Ukraine—for the same military resources, the same portion of the U.S. budget, and the same attention from lawmakers. Ukraine also faces delays in congressional approval of new aid, rising demand for domestic U.S. arms production that cannot yet meet global needs, and the risk of a “budget prioritization” where support for Israel, perceived as more immediate, may take precedence over assistance to war-torn but more distant Ukraine.
Secondly, founder of the “United Ukraine” Think Tank stresses that Ukraine must not passively accept the shifting global landscape. Instead, it should actively engage in the changing geopolitical environment. The conflict involving Israel could already bring several potential advantages.
In this light, the Israel-Iran conflict is not just a danger—it also presents a strategic opportunity. But only if Ukraine moves decisively to seize it.
Finally, Petrenko makes an open conclusion that the world is now both multipolar and marked by multiple simultaneous conflicts. In this new reality, Ukraine must act not only as a recipient of aid, but as an active player shaping global developments.
Kyiv should emphasize that its struggle is not just a regional issue, but part of a broader global fight against authoritarianism. It must also work to broaden its base of international support—building stronger ties with countries in Asia (such as Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia), Latin America, and Africa (including Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria).
In parallel, Ukraine needs to invest in developing its own weapons production and military-industrial capabilities to reduce long-term dependency. Strengthening diplomatic efforts is equally crucial—positioning Ukraine as a global advocate for democracy, not as a privilege, but as a vital necessity.
Read the full article by Ihor Petrenko on The Gaze: What does the New Conflict Between Iran and Israel Mean for Ukraine?
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