Huckabee further discussed the issues of Israel's elections and the war in Gaza, emphasizing his support for Israel's right to defend itself.

The French ministry said last month that two French embassy staff had been detained and physically intimidated by Iranian security services in Tehran.

Turkey condemned Israel's strikes on the Abu al-Dahur airbase in northwestern Syria but did not comment further, including about a potential deconfliction mechanism.

Bold America, another group that has received funding from the United Democracy Project, has spent roughly $1.8 million, according to The Hill.

While Fedorov did not say in his address that he would compete in any election, a recent poll indicated the ex-minister would comfortably beat Zelensky in a runoff vote.