Russia is the only winner of Middle East war, EU's Costa says

RiddleMaster · 2026-03-10T13:59:37+00:00

EU Council President Antonio Costa stated that Russia is the main beneficiary of the ongoing Middle East conflict, gaining resources and diversion from the Ukraine war. He emphasized the importance of maintaining international law and urged parties to negotiate to avoid escalation.

RiddleMaster

2026-03-10 13:59:37

Abstract generation in progress

BRUSSELS, March 10 (Reuters) - Russia has so far been the only winner from the war in the Middle East as energy prices soar and ‌attention for its war against Ukraine has faded, EU Council President Antonio Costa said on Tuesday.

“So far, there is only one winner in this war – Russia,” Costa said in ⁠a speech to EU ambassadors in Brussels.

The Reuters Iran Briefing newsletter keeps you informed with the latest developments and analysis of the Iran war. Sign up here.

“It gains new resources to finance its war against Ukraine as energy prices rise. It profits from the diversion of military capabilities that could otherwise have been sent to support Ukraine. And it benefits from reduced attention to the Ukrainian front ‌as ⁠the conflict in the Middle East takes centre stage.”

Costa stressed the need for the EU to protect the international rules-based order, which he said was now ⁠being challenged by the United States, and for all parties in the Middle East to return to the ⁠negotiating table.

“Freedom and human rights cannot be achieved through bombs. Only international law upholds them,” ⁠he said.

“We must avoid further escalation. Such a path threatens the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.”

Reporting by Bart Meijer, editing by Ingrid Melander

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

Suggested Topics:
China

X
Facebook
Linkedin
Email
Link

Purchase Licensing Rights

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.