Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to visit the United Kingdom on Tuesday for talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as concerns grow that higher global oil prices could strengthen Russia’s economy.

The visit comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East that have pushed energy prices higher, potentially increasing revenue for Vladimir Putin’s government despite international sanctions over the war in Ukraine.

Starmer said the meeting with Zelensky aims to keep global attention on the conflict in Ukraine even as the crisis involving Iran and regional rivals dominates international headlines. He warned that the situation could unintentionally create financial gains for Moscow through higher oil exports.

The United States has temporarily relaxed some restrictions on Russian oil shipments that were already loaded at sea in an effort to ease pressure on global supplies following the escalation involving Israel and Iran.

Officials have also raised concerns that the increased demand for air defence systems in the Middle East could affect the availability of similar weapons needed by Ukraine.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed Zelensky’s visit and reaffirmed Britain’s continued support for Kyiv. He told lawmakers that the UK has recently supplied Ukraine with thousands of drones, artillery shells and millions of rounds of ammunition.

Starmer also discussed the situation in Ukraine with Canadian leader Mark Carney during talks in London, thanking Canada for supporting a UK- and France-led initiative aimed at providing long-term security guarantees for Ukraine as part of a future peace plan.