Headlines
Russia is the only winner of middle east war, EU's costa says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 10, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 10, 2026
Quick Summary
EU Council President António Costa warns that Russia is the sole beneficiary of the Middle East war, profiting from energy market turmoil and diminishing global focus on Ukraine, and urges renewed diplomacy and protection of international law.
Russia Profits as Middle East Conflict Diverts Focus From Ukraine, Says EU Chief
EU Council President Highlights Consequences of Middle East War
Russia's Gains Amid Global Conflict
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.
Energy Prices and Military Diversion
"So far, there is only one winner in this war – Russia," Costa said in a speech to EU ambassadors in Brussels.
"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."
Calls for International Law and De-escalation
Protecting the International Rules-Based Order
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.
Advocating for Peace and Human Rights
"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 Credits
(Reporting by Bart Meijer, editing by Ingrid Melander)
Key Takeaways
- •Russia gains by profiting from surging energy prices and redirecting military focus away from Ukraine.
- •The Middle East conflict shifts international attention, weakening support and capabilities for Ukraine’s defense.
- •Costa calls for upholding the rules‑based order and returning all parties to negotiations to prevent further escalation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Russia is the only winner of Middle East war, EU's Costa says
1How is Russia benefiting from the Middle East war?
According to EU Council President Costa, Russia benefits from rising energy prices and new resources to finance its war against Ukraine, while global attention shifts away from Ukraine.
2What concerns did EU's Antonio Costa express about the current conflicts?
