Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated on Monday, March 23rd, that Ukraine’s military intelligence has obtained “irrefutable” evidence proving that Russia continues to provide intelligence support to Iran. He warned that such activities would directly lead to the continuation and escalation of conflicts in the Middle East.
In a post on the social media platform X, he wrote, “Russia is utilizing its own signals intelligence and electronic intelligence capabilities, as well as data obtained through cooperation with Middle Eastern partners, to provide support to Iran.”
According to reports from Reuters and Kyiv Post, Zelenskiy previously met with the head of the Military Intelligence Directorate (HUR), Oleh Ivashchenko. In a summary of the meeting, Zelenskiy pointed out that Russia is leveraging its advantages in radio technology and electronic monitoring to provide Iran with the necessary data for “precision strikes.”
Zelenskiy emphasized in an evening video speech that, “This is evidently a destructive activity that must be stopped because it will only lead to further instability. All responsible countries are interested in ensuring security and preventing bigger issues from arising.”
“The market has reacted negatively, significantly exacerbating fuel shortages in many countries,” he further stated. “By aiding the survival of the Iranian regime and making their strikes more precise, Russia is effectively prolonging the conflict.”
In recent years, Russia and Iran have deepened their cooperation, especially during Russia’s war against Ukraine, where Iran provided drones and other military equipment to the Russian forces.
Earlier on March 20th, Politico magazine cited two individuals familiar with US-Russia negotiations reporting that the Kremlin proposed to the US that if the US stops providing intelligence to Ukraine, Russia would also cease sharing intelligence with Iran. However, it is reported that the US government promptly rejected this proposal.
Zelenskiy, quoting Ivashchenko’s report, also indicated that Ukraine has “clear information” showing that Russia plans to further deploy remote-controlled ground stations for drones on Ukrainian and Belarusian territories (total four sites). He instructed Ivashchenko to inform Western allies of the relevant data.
Additionally, Zelenskiy quoted the evaluation from the Military Intelligence Directorate stating that on the battlefield, Russia seems to be “constantly” exaggerating the achievements of the Russian forces in Ukraine and using such data in negotiations.
The Kremlin refuted the Wall Street Journal’s report last week about Russia sharing satellite imagery and improving drone technology with Iran, labeling it as “fake news.”