Boris Pistorius warned that Russia is benefiting from the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, saying rising global oil prices are boosting Moscow’s ability to finance its war in Ukraine.

Speaking at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Berlin on Wednesday, Pistorius said the world’s attention has shifted toward developments in Iran, the Persian Gulf, and the Strait of Hormuz. He stressed that this diversion risks weakening international focus on Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion.

According to Pistorius, the surge in oil prices caused by instability in the Middle East is “pouring money into Putin’s war coffers.” He added that Russia is using these additional revenues to continue its attacks on Ukraine.

The meeting in Berlin was attended by several senior officials, including Britain’s Defence Secretary John Healey, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. The talks focused on maintaining support for Ukraine despite growing geopolitical tensions elsewhere.

Germany and the United Kingdom pledged additional military aid to Kyiv. Germany plans to deliver hundreds of Patriot air-defense missiles and additional launchers for the IRIS-T system, while the UK announced plans to supply around 120,000 drones to strengthen Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities.

Officials emphasized that drone warfare has become central to the conflict. According to Ukrainian figures presented during the meeting, Russia launched around 1,000 drones in a single day, highlighting the scale of the aerial threat.

Both Germany and the UK called for de-escalation in the Middle East, warning that a prolonged crisis there could further distract international attention and resources from the war in Ukraine.

At the same time, Pistorius expressed hope that the European Union will soon approve a €90 billion interest-free loan package to help Ukraine purchase military equipment and rebuild infrastructure damaged during the war.