(WARSAW) – The wars in Ukraine and Iran are becoming increasingly interconnected, with Ukrainian drone operators already deployed to the Middle East and Kyiv sending negotiators to the United States to deepen military cooperation.<\/p>\n
The conflicts in Ukraine and Iran are growing increasingly interlinked with Ukrainian drone operators already deployed to the Middle East. Now Kyiv has sent negotiators to the United States to further deepen that cooperation,\u201d the host said.<\/p>\n
Russia again carried out attacks on civilians across several Ukrainian regions, while protests intensified in Central Europe and political tensions rose ahead of elections in Hungary.<\/p>\n
Despite reports that more than 2,000 US troops aboard naval vessels are heading towards Iran, US President Donald Trump signalled his intention to end the war, claiming that Operation Epic Fury is close to achieving its objectives.<\/p>\n
Reporting from Beirut, correspondent Oscar Taji said the situation on the ground contradicts those claims. \u201cDonald Trump has said statements like this almost since the war started, saying that the United States was close to fulfilling its objectives\u2026 but the reality on the ground is that the conflict is very much ongoing,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He added that Gulf states remain under sustained Iranian fire, while Lebanon, Israel and Iran continue to exchange strikes. \u201cThose in the Gulf States still under sustained fire from Iran are still feeling it\u2026 and of course the Iranians who are being bombarded by the US and Israel, they are the ones who are feeling it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Iran\u2019s president has called for a halt to US and Israeli actions as a precondition for any ceasefire.<\/p>\n
Trump, however, rejected the idea of a ceasefire. \u201cWe can have dialogue, but I don\u2019t want to do a ceasefire. You don\u2019t do a ceasefire when you\u2019re literally obliterating the other side,\u201d he said, claiming Iran lacks military capability.<\/p>\n
Strikes have reportedly targeted nuclear related sites, including Iran\u2019s Natanz facility, while ballistic missile attacks were reported near Dimona in southern Israel. The escalation suggests a widening conflict rather than de escalation.<\/p>\n
Additional US forces are expected near Iran\u2019s coast, while the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, disrupting global oil shipments. Trump indicated the United States may not prioritise securing the route, stating it should be handled by countries that rely on it, raising concerns over energy supplies, particularly in Europe.<\/p>\n
A Ukrainian delegation has arrived in Florida to press Washington to adopt Ukrainian drone technology in countering Iranian attacks. More than 200 Ukrainian experts are already deployed in the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s certainly something we’re trying to do to convince our partners\u2026 you can use much cheaper, cost effective Ukrainian drones instead of very expensive Patriot missiles,\u201d one official said.<\/p>\n
Ukraine has built its expertise over more than four years of defending against Russian attacks, including Iranian made Shahed drones. Kyiv is now positioning this experience as a strategic asset.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are helping. They are sharing experience. And we see a global fundamental shift of perception of Ukraine,\u201d another official said.<\/p>\n
Kyiv\u2019s broader objective is to draw US attention back to stalled peace negotiations with Moscow, which have been delayed as Washington focuses on Iran.<\/p>\n
A Ukrainian delegation travelled to the United States to discuss both peace talks and drone cooperation. Trump had previously dismissed Ukraine\u2019s leverage, saying, \u201cYou don\u2019t have the cards right now with us.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, analysts argue Ukraine has gained influence through its drone capabilities. \u201cUkraine has cards\u2026 it has turned itself into the world\u2019s greatest digitised drone superpower,\u201d one expert said.<\/p>\n
According to reports, Russia offered to stop sharing intelligence with Iran in exchange for the United States reducing support for Kyiv. The proposal was reportedly rejected.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Ukraine and Russia continued to exchange attacks. Ukraine launched more than 300 drones overnight, striking an oil refinery, a chemical plant in Saratov, and a drone unit in occupied Crimea.<\/p>\n
Russia launched 154 drones at Ukraine, including 90 Shahed type drones. Ukraine\u2019s air force said 148 were intercepted. Nine civilians were killed and at least 36 wounded across Donetsk, Kherson, Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv and Zaporizhzhia regions.<\/p>\n
In Zaporizhzhia, a drone strike killed two parents, while their daughters aged 11 and 15 were rescued from the rubble. \u201cWe were neighbours\u2026 good people. Most importantly, at least the children were saved,\u201d a resident said.<\/p>\n
Another resident added, \u201cWe have been friends for 15 years. And now both she and Dima are gone\u2026 when will this all just end?\u201d<\/p>\n
The war, now in its fifth year, continues to strain civilians living near the front lines.<\/p>\n
In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orb\u00e1n used the CPAC summit in Budapest to warn that his removal from power would mark a major victory for progressive forces in Europe. With elections approaching, his Fidesz party is trailing the opposition Tisza party.<\/p>\n
Trump endorsed Orb\u00e1n, saying, \u201cHe has my complete and total endorsement.\u201d However, reports suggest Russian intelligence may have considered staging an attack to boost Orb\u00e1n\u2019s popularity.<\/p>\n
In Slovenia, voters are preparing for a closely contested parliamentary election, with no party expected to secure a majority. Political tensions have been heightened by a spying scandal involving alleged foreign interference.<\/p>\n
In the Czech Republic, tens of thousands protested in Prague against Prime Minister Andrej Babi\u0161, citing concerns over democratic backsliding and proposed cuts to defence spending below NATO\u2019s 2 percent threshold.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust because you were elected doesn\u2019t give you the right to abuse your power\u2026 this country is not for sale,\u201d one protester said.<\/p>\n
Analysts remain sceptical about the impact of the demonstrations, noting that similar protests in the past did not force political change.<\/p>\n
As global tensions rise, Ukraine has again sent a delegation to the United States to push for renewed engagement and cooperation on drone warfare.<\/p>\n
US analyst Steven Moore said the cost imbalance in missile defence highlights Ukraine\u2019s advantage. \u201cAmerica spent missiles at $3 million each trying to take down a $35,000 drone,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He added that Ukrainian drones can cost as little as $500, compared with more than $100,000 for US equivalents, and that Ukraine can produce up to 2,000 drones per day.<\/p>\n
Moore argued that the United States lacks cost effective systems to counter such threats and that Ukrainian innovation offers a practical solution.<\/p>\n
He also warned that Russia\u2019s continued strikes on infrastructure are damaging the standing of the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin domestically. \u201cIf Putin has lost strength in the eyes of the Russian people, that does not bode well for him,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
US officials have also warned of Russian cyber operations targeting senior American officials, further complicating relations.<\/p>\n
Moore described the current situation as part of a broader global conflict involving Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, warning that instability is likely to increase.<\/p>\n