Russian President Vladimir Putin has no real interest in quick peace in Ukraine and prefers to see the United States tied down in the Iran conflict, according to former US ambassador to Ukraine John Herbst.
Herbst, now a senior director at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, shared his view in comments published on March 25. He said Russia likely offered to stop sharing intelligence with Iran if the United States ended its intelligence support for Ukraine. The US turned down the idea, stressing instead the need for a lasting peace that keeps Ukraine independent, sovereign, secure and economically strong.
The war in Ukraine has now lasted longer for Russia than World War II, with only small territorial gains and very high costs. Herbst noted that Russia backs Iran, Venezuela and Cuba more for the image of global power than for real practical gains. Both Russia and China, he added, would like to see the US stuck in a long fight in the Middle East, as they view America as their main rival.
On March 11, Russia and China chose to abstain from a UN Security Council vote on Iran. Herbst explained this as a careful balance. Moscow wants to keep the US distracted without pushing too hard and risking stronger measures on Ukraine. China aims to keep buying Iranian oil while avoiding extra anger from Washington.
At home, Russia continues its military push. Mass drone attacks hit Ukrainian targets, and signs point to preparations for a spring offensive. The Kremlin has turned away from several peace ideas that Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky have accepted.
Herbst said real talks would need steady pressure on Moscow to stop further advances on the battlefield. He pointed out that Russia has not always been open in its dealings, recalling how Putin denied plans to invade Ukraine right before February 2022 and earlier claimed Russian troops in Crimea were not his forces.
The ties between Russia and Iran run deep, with both sides working against US interests for years. The current situation in the Gulf may bring some upside for Ukraine. Several Arab states have shown interest in Ukrainian drones and air defence know-how. Russia’s close links with Iran have made some countries in the region rethink their own connections with Moscow.
As of March 25, the pattern of Russian drone strikes and frontline activity continues. Herbst believes Putin wants to keep the fighting going while trying to split Washington from Kyiv. He noted Moscow’s push to end US intelligence help and block American weapons from reaching Ukraine through European routes.
Russia’s strategy mixes public words of openness with firm steps on the ground. The offer on intelligence sharing with Iran shows how Moscow tries to link different conflicts to gain leverage. At the same time, the abstention at the UN keeps options open without full commitment.
For ordinary Russians, the long war brings steady costs in lives and resources. The focus on keeping the US busy elsewhere fits a wider aim to ease pressure on its own actions in Ukraine. Putin’s team frames these moves as defence of Russian interests and support for partners who stand together under outside pressure.
The coming weeks will test how these links play out. Spring fighting on the main front lines adds to the picture, while events in the Middle East shift global attention. Ukraine keeps its own leverage, including growing interest from Gulf buyers in its defence technology.
Herbst’s comments highlight the complex web of choices facing all sides. Russia holds to its course, seeking steady partners and turning external events to its advantage where possible. The US rejection of the reported deal underlines the push for a peace that lasts and protects Ukraine’s future.
Moscow continues to build ties with those who share its view on global balance. The Iran situation adds one more thread to the bigger picture, where energy flows, security deals and diplomatic steps all connect. Russia watches closely and adjusts its steps to protect its goals in unsteady times.