Zelenskyy Alleges Russian Support for Iran Amid Middle East Tensions
Russia's Alleged Intelligence Sharing with Iran
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that Russia captured satellite imagery of the Prince Sultan Air Base, a significant U.S. military installation in West Asia, and shared this information with Iran. Zelenskyy made these remarks during his visit to Gulf nations, where he is discussing drone technology, defense strategies, and strengthening alliances. The base, operated by the Royal Saudi Air Force, also accommodates U.S. forces.
According to a summary of Ukrainian intelligence shared with a news outlet, Russian satellites reportedly photographed the Prince Sultan Air Base on March 20, 23, and 25, just days before Iran launched an attack on March 26 that resulted in injuries to American personnel. This base has been a target since the onset of the ongoing conflict, which recently marked its one-month anniversary.
Zelenskyy expressed confidence in the intelligence, stating, "If they capture images once, they are preparing. If they do it a second time, it’s like a simulation. The third time indicates an imminent attack." He asserted that Moscow is actively assisting Tehran in identifying military targets in the region, emphasizing, "I know they share information. How much? One hundred percent." This intelligence was derived from regular briefings conducted by Ukraine's intelligence agencies. However, the news outlet noted that it could not independently verify these claims.
Previously, Russia denied allegations of sharing intelligence with Iran, although it has acknowledged military collaboration. Recent Iranian strikes on the Prince Sultan Air Base have resulted in injuries to at least 15 U.S. troops, with Iran launching six ballistic missiles and 29 drones at the facility, located approximately 96 kilometers (60 miles) from Riyadh. The base faced two attacks earlier in the week.
Zelenskyy's Diplomatic Efforts in the Middle East
Details of Zelenskyy's Middle East Engagement
During an unannounced trip on Saturday, Zelenskyy visited the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, aiming to leverage Ukraine's drone capabilities to assist Gulf states in countering Iranian aggression amid the ongoing conflict. He revealed that Ukraine has already established 10-year security agreements with both Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with plans to finalize a similar pact with the UAE soon.
Ukraine has emerged as a leading producer of advanced drone interceptors, which are both cost-effective and efficient, playing a crucial role in its defense against Russia's invasion that began on February 24, 2022. In exchange for its support to Gulf nations, Ukraine is seeking advanced air-defense missiles that these countries possess, which are essential for countering Russian assaults. Last week, Zelenskyy also explored Ukraine's potential role in enhancing security in the Strait of Hormuz.
(With agency inputs)