Ukrainian ex-defence minister says conflict provides simultaneous ‘risks and opportunities’

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At 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 Khamenei, killed in the US-Israeli air strikes on Tehran.

Inside, candles lined the floor and mournful music played, as diplomats ushered the way to a room with a portrait of Khamenei and the book to sign. There was, however, no queue of well-wishers.