European Council President António Costa warned on Monday that Russia is exploiting the expanding Middle East war to strengthen its geopolitical position while the West remains distracted by the Iran conflict, according to Reuters.
"The only winner of this war is Russia," Costa said during remarks in Brussels, delivering a stark assessment of how Moscow's strategic calculus has been aided by Western attention shifting away from Ukraine. His comments reflect growing European anxiety about strategic overextension as the US and its allies commit resources to countering Iran.
The Portuguese politician, who took office as European Council president in December 2024, has emerged as one of Europe's more candid voices on geopolitical matters. His warning echoes historical concerns about fighting wars on multiple fronts – a challenge that has undone military powers throughout history.
"While Western capitals focus on Tehran, Putin consolidates gains in Ukraine and strengthens ties with China, Iran, and other adversaries," said a Brussels-based defense analyst. "Costa is articulating what many European officials think privately but hesitate to say publicly."
The assessment comes as nations grapple with dual crises: continued support for 's defense against aggression, and rising energy prices driven by the conflict's disruption of oil supplies. The combination threatens to fracture unity on both fronts.
