Zelenskyy meets Macron as Iran conflict overshadows Ukraine
Mar 13th 2026
Zelenskyy traveled to Paris to press for renewed focus on ending Russia's war as the US-Iran conflict diverts resources, drives up oil prices and strains air defense supplies.
- Zelenskyy met Macron in Paris to reaffirm Western backing for Ukraine and discuss targeting Russia's 'shadow fleet' used to evade oil sanctions.
- The US-Iran war has diverted diplomatic and military attention and stalled planned peace talks in Abu Dhabi.
- The United States announced a 30-day window for sales of sanctioned Russian oil at sea, prompting criticism from Ukraine and some European allies.
- Iranian strikes on Gulf states and threats to the Strait of Hormuz have pushed Brent crude toward $100 and strained Gulf air defenses, creating competition for missiles.
- A Russian Iskandr strike near Kupiansk hit a bus, killing three people and wounding four according to local investigators.