Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Iran could emerge as a new conflict zone connected to the Russia-Ukraine war.
In an interview with journalist Caolan Robertson, the Ukrainian president highlighted Russia’s support for Tehran with drones, missile assistance, and air defence capabilities.
“Russia started supporting the Iranian regime with drones. It will definitely help with missiles, and it is also helping them with air defence,” he said.
Zelenskyy questioned which country might next send troops to aid Iran, drawing parallels with North Korea’s deployment of 10,000 soldiers in Russia, who could be redirected to Ukraine.
He suggested that similar troop movements could occur in Iran, potentially involving Russian forces.
“Given the situation, there is only one question: when and which country will be the first to support the Iranian regime by sending troops? As happened with Russia, when North Korea sent 10,000 soldiers, who are now deployed in Russia but can be sent to Ukraine. The same could happen in Iran – Russia could send troops there,” he said.
Zelenskyy Addresses Impact of Iran Conflict and Potential US Weapon Shortages for Ukraine
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The Ukrainian President said that Iran previously supplied Russia with weapons used in its attacks against Ukraine.
In a statement on March 5, Zelenskyy noted that such concerns have lessened, as Iran is unlikely to provide additional supplies at present.
However, he added that Russia is now producing missiles and drones independently under previously transferred Iranian licenses.
“The Iranian regime supplied Russia with weapons that were used to kill our people. Those concerns have somewhat diminished now, because Iran is unlikely to be able to supply Russia with anything at the moment. However, at one point, they transferred licenses, and Russia is now producing those missiles and drones on its own under Iranian licenses,” read part of the statement.
Also Read: Zelenskyy Offers to Help Middle East Countries with Intercepting Shahed Drones
The Ukrainian leader said that while Russia is not an ally of Iran, it appears to be providing weapons to the Iranian government.
Zelenskyy noted that Russian-made components have been identified in Iranian “Shahed” drones currently striking the Middle East.
He also suggested that Russia could supply Iran with additional systems, including air defence equipment, noting that Moscow possesses substantial stockpiles.
The comments follow reports that Iran recently inked a “secret” arms agreement with Russia, under which Tehran is set to receive missiles to strengthen its air defences.
According to a report published by the Financial Times on February 22, the $589 million deal was finalised in Moscow last December, based on leaked Russian documents and information from multiple sources.
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