Zelensky Accuses Russia of Using Iran Intelligence Sharing to Pressure US

Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of attempting to pressure the United States by leveraging intelligence sharing with Iran. Speaking to the international news agency Reuters at the presidential residence in Kyiv on Wednesday, Zelensky stated that Russia had proposed a deal to the US: Russia would only cease its intelligence partnership with Iran if Washington stopped providing intelligence support to Ukraine. "Isn't this blackmail? Certainly, it is," he said.

According to Zelensky, Ukrainian military intelligence possesses irrefutable evidence that Russia is continuously providing information to Iran. Although he claimed to have seen the details himself, he did not disclose further information. He also asserted that Russian components were found in some Iranian drones used to attack US forces and their allies during the conflict in West Asia. However, Russia has consistently denied allegations of aiding Iran. Washington has also stated that Russia denied such cooperation when discussed directly with Moscow.

Zelensky mentioned that Iranian-designed 'Shahed' drones have been continuously attacking Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion in 2022, and currently, Ukraine is assisting some Gulf countries against drone attacks.

He added that efforts are underway to secure investment for producing drone interception systems or acquiring air defense missiles through long-term cooperation with countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.