On March 10, European Council President Antonio Costa noted that Russia is so far the only party benefiting from the conflict in the Middle East when oil prices and energy prices skyrocketed and attention to its war in Ukraine decreased.
So far, only one side has won this war - that is Russia," Mr. Costa said in a speech to the European Union (EU) Ambassadors in Brussels (Belgium).
Rising energy prices help Russia have more resources to finance the conflict in Ukraine. The country also benefits when military capabilities that could have been transferred to support Ukraine are dispersed," Mr. Costa said.
Not only that, Mr. Costa said that when the world's attention is focused on the war in the Middle East, the conflict in Ukraine is also somewhat overshadowed, thereby bringing a certain advantage to Russia.
Mr. Costa emphasized the need for the EU to protect international order based on rules - which he believes is currently being challenged by the US - while calling on parties in the Middle East to return to the negotiating table.
Freedom and human rights cannot be achieved by bombs and bullets. Only international law can protect those values. We must avoid further escalation. Such a path will threaten the Middle East, Europe and many other regions" - Mr. Costa concluded.
