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
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)
