Ukrainian foreign minister says Moscow failed Tehran at crucial moment

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has criticised Russia for purportedly abandoning its ally Iran at a critical point in the escalating regional conflict.

In a social media post cited by Caliber.Az, Sybiha argued that while Iran faces severe pressure — including widespread attacks and diplomatic isolation — its supposed allies, especially Russia, have not offered meaningful support. Sybiha highlighted that Tehran and Moscow signed a 20‑year strategic partnership agreement last year, and that Iran has strengthened defence cooperation with other Russia‑aligned states such as Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

Now that Iran's regime is in trouble, the lack of support from its allies is especially noticeable, with Russia particularly absent.

Iran and Russia signed a 20-year comprehensive strategic partnership treaty last year. Recently, Iran has also significantly deepened cooperation…

— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) March 2, 2026

“Right now, Moscow is not rushing to rescue its ‘ally,’” Sybiha wrote, suggesting that Russian priorities lie more with rising oil prices than with backing Tehran. He noted that Russia has yet to call for a formal BRICS statement of support since Iran joined the bloc two years ago and that diplomatic reactions have been limited to condolences after the reported death of Iran’s supreme leader.

Sybiha concluded that Russia’s historical behaviour shows it will “wash its hands” of partners when they are most in need, and warned that potential toppled regimes — including those of Bashar al‑Assad, Nicolás Maduro, and Iran’s leadership — could have strategic implications for Moscow itself.