Ukraine warns against empowering Iran amid Middle East conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff to assess the risks of destabilization stemming from the war in Iran and its potential consequences for global markets, regional countries, and Ukraine’s key partners.

Writing on his Telegram channel, Zelenskyy said developments in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region have direct implications for Europe, Ukraine, and critical supply chains.

During the meeting, officials heard reports from the secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, the heads of intelligence agencies, the Security Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the defence minister. Participants reviewed the prospects of the conflict in Iran, the potential impact of a prolonged war, and requests from countries seeking Ukrainian assistance in countering Shahed drones and other threats.

According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine has so far received 11 requests from Iran’s neighboring countries, European states, and the United States for support, some of which have already been addressed through concrete measures.

“Ukraine’s priority is clear: the Iranian regime must not gain any advantage over those defending life, and everyone must work together to achieve tangible stabilization both in the region and on global markets,” Zelenskyy said.

He added that Ukraine has long urged partners to strengthen joint capabilities to protect lives. “We have spoken about joint defence against drones and missiles, as well as the destruction of the relevant production facilities of aggressor regimes — weapons production facilities that are being used in attacks even now. Each of these regimes has set itself against the world, and responses are required. Every Shahed production site is known. The Iranian and Russian regimes support each other, and there is increasing information, including about Russian components in the Shaheds that are striking Iran’s neighbors,” he said.

By Vafa Guliyeva