Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed on March 25 that Russia attempted to blackmail the United States by offering to halt intelligence transfers to Iran in exchange for the cessation of U.S. intelligence support to Ukraine. This statement was reported by Reuters.
Zelensky explained that Russia set a condition for the U.S. to stop sharing intelligence with Ukraine, stating, “I have reports from our intelligence services indicating that Russia is doing this and saying: ‘I will not transfer intelligence to Iran if America stops sharing intelligence with Ukraine.’ Isn’t this blackmail? Certainly.” He did not specify to whom Russia had made this demand.
The Ukrainian president also mentioned that some Iranian drones used in attacks against U.S. military assets and allies in the Middle East contained Russian components. On March 23, he stated that Ukrainian military intelligence possesses “irrefutable evidence” that Russia continues to provide intelligence to Iran, a claim that Russia has denied.
Earlier in March, Washington reported receiving assurances from Moscow regarding this issue during discussions. Zelensky expressed hope that Ukraine could establish long-term agreements with Gulf countries for funding the production of Ukrainian drone interceptors or acquiring missiles for air defense.
Military Operations Against Iran
On February 28, Israel conducted an attack on Tehran, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to announce a “major military operation” against Iran aimed at eliminating perceived threats from the Iranian regime. He accused Iran of financing and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
Trump stated that the operation’s goals included dismantling Iran’s missile industry and fleet to prevent global destabilization. In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have launched missiles and drones targeting Israel, as well as attacking U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
In light of the U.S. military actions against Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council. The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Zelensky asserted the importance of providing Iranians the opportunity to rid themselves of a “terrorist regime” and to guarantee safety for all nations affected by Iranian attacks.
On February 28, Trump announced the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). On March 1, the IRGC declared the initiation of the “most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. military bases.
Trump warned the Iranian regime to abandon its plans, threatening a “very strong response.” On March 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the next phase of military operations against Iran would be even more devastating.
On March 6, Trump called for a complete change of leadership in Iran, mentioning he had several candidates for a “good leader.” Two days later, the Iranian Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the slain ayatollah, as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.
Trump declined to comment on Mojtaba Khamenei’s election, stating, “We’ll see what happens.” Previously, he had suggested that the new Iranian leader would not last long without approval from the White House.
Ukrainian President Zelensky accused Russia of attempting to blackmail the U.S. regarding intelligence sharing with Iran, while military tensions involving Iran and the U.S. escalate. Zelensky also expressed hopes for defense agreements with Gulf nations amidst ongoing conflicts.
Source: Reuters