Ukrainian ex-defence minister says conflict provides simultaneous ‘risks and opportunities’ Middle East crisis – live updates Ukrainian ex-defence minister says conflict provides simultaneous ‘risks and opportunities’ Middle East crisis – live updates A t the Iranian embassy in Kyiv, a salmon-pink mansion on a street close to the presidential administration, there were several open days last week for anyone who wished to come and sign a book of condolences in memory of the late Ayatollah Ali