European Union Council President Antonio Costa declared on March 10, 2026, that Russia has become the "only winner" of ongoing Middle East tensions during a closed-door meeting with EU ambassadors. His remarks highlight growing concerns over how global attention shifts away from Ukraine amid escalating regional conflicts.
Costa emphasized that recent U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran have inadvertently diverted diplomatic and military resources, allowing Moscow to consolidate its position in Eastern Europe. "Every day spent resolving Middle Eastern crises is a day not spent addressing Russia's advances," he stated, urging immediate multilateral negotiations to de-escalate both regions.
The EU leader's comments come as Western allies face mounting pressure to balance strategic priorities. Analysts suggest this year's geopolitical realignments could reshape Asia's role in global security frameworks, particularly given rising energy demands and shifting trade routes.
