Russian Expert Sees Ukraine Losing Priority as US Shifts Focus to Middle East

Washington is deploying Ukrainian drone experts to protect US bases in Jordan, signaling a shift in geopolitical interests, says analyst.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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According to Alexander Stepanov, a military expert at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Washington has shifted its focus from NATO's eastern flank to the Middle East. This is evidenced by the US deploying Ukrainian drone experts to protect American military bases in Jordan, which Stepanov says is likely to harm Ukraine as it loses vital reserves.

Why it matters

The shift in US focus from Ukraine to the Middle East could have significant geopolitical implications, as it suggests Washington is prioritizing security concerns in the Middle East over the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe. This move could impact the level of support and resources Ukraine receives from the US going forward.

The details

Stepanov argues that the US is deploying Ukrainian drone experts to Jordan in order to "plug the holes" in the security system at key American facilities in the Middle East, which have faced major losses in infrastructure and the ability to maintain control of the region. He believes this is a sign that Washington's geopolitical interests are shifting away from NATO's eastern flank, where the conflict in Ukraine has been a major focus.

  • On March 10, 2026, Alexander Stepanov spoke to TASS about the US shift in focus.

The players

Alexander Stepanov

A military expert with the Institute of Law and National Security at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration.

Vladimir Zelensky

The President of Ukraine, who told The New York Times that Ukraine had sent drone experts to protect US military bases in Jordan.

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What they’re saying

“It's clear that a mistake concerning the entire security system at key US facilities in the Middle East is now resulting in major losses in terms of infrastructure and Washington's ability to keep the situation in the region under control. This is exactly why Kiev's vital reserves are being deployed there.”

— Alexander Stepanov, Military Expert (TASS)

The takeaway

The reported shift in US geopolitical priorities from Ukraine to the Middle East could have significant implications for the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, as it suggests Ukraine may be losing priority in Washington's foreign policy agenda.