Media: Zelenskyy: 100% certain Russia is providing Iran with intelligence on U.S. military forces in the Middle East, which aligns with Russia’s interests
According to a Ukrainian intelligence summary provided by President Zelenskyy to NBC, Russia took satellite images of a U.S. Air Force base in Saudi Arabia on three occasions in the days preceding Iran’s attack on the base that resulted in injuries to U.S. personnel.
Speaking during his visit to Qatar on Saturday, Zelenskyy stated he was “100% certain” that Russia is supplying such intelligence to Iran to assist in targeting U.S. forces in the Middle East.
Zelenskyy said, “I believe it serves Russia’s interests to help Iran. And not just believe—I am certain—they are sharing information. Are they helping Iran? Of course. How reliable is this? One hundred percent.”
Zelenskyy also shared a daily presidential briefing summary from Ukraine’s intelligence agency. The report indicated that Russian satellites captured images of the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 20, 23, and 25.
On March 26, Iran attacked the base, which hosts both U.S. and Saudi forces. Two U.S. officials said Friday that the attack injured several U.S. service members, all of whom were reported to be in stable condition. Zelenskyy noted that based on Ukraine’s experience, repeated imaging of a facility over several days indicates preparation for an attack.
Zelenskyy said, “We know that if they take images once, it means they’re preparing; if twice, it’s like a rehearsal; and if third time, it means an attack will occur within one or two days.” This briefing did not provide evidence of the Russian satellite images nor explain how Ukraine obtained this information.
Earlier this month, NBC cited four informed sources reporting that Russia is providing intelligence about the locations of U.S. military deployments in the Middle East to Iran. On Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov denied supplying intelligence to Tehran during an interview with French media, but acknowledged that Moscow has indeed delivered military equipment to Iran based on their long-standing military alliance.
This week, Zelenskyy visited Gulf states aiming to finalize a series of agreements to deliver Ukraine’s battle-tested air defense technology to neighboring countries hit by Iranian missile and drone attacks. According to Zelenskyy, defense agreements have already been signed with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, under which Ukraine will provide technical expertise in exchange for “hundreds of millions of dollars” in investment into Ukraine’s defense industry.
Zelenskyy added, “They recognize our professional capabilities.” Iran’s low-cost “Shahed” suicide drones have become a key weapon in attacks on neighboring countries. These drones have been extensively used by Russia throughout the fifth year of the full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine.
The war between Iran and the U.S. and Israel has created massive demand for U.S.-made missile interceptors among Middle Eastern allies. After a month of daily attacks from Iran, stockpiles are now nearly depleted. Zelenskyy expressed concern that the conflict might lead to U.S. weapons being redirected from Ukraine to the Middle East—but so far, planned deliveries to Ukraine remain unaffected.
Zelenskyy said, “I’m very worried. I hope the U.S. doesn’t make such a mistake,” emphasizing that arms supplies from Western allies are crucial for Ukraine’s ability to resist Russia. He pointed out that Russian President Putin may be counting on a prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
Zelenskyy said, “Putin is benefiting greatly from this war,” noting rising oil prices and the temporary lifting of some U.S. sanctions on Russian oil, which means the Kremlin will receive significantly more revenue. “If sanctions are lifted entirely, Putin will gain much more money than now—and he will pour those funds into weapons,” Zelenskyy warned.
Although efforts by the United States to facilitate a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia appeared largely stalled before the outbreak of the Iran conflict, Zelenskyy said the new conflict in the Middle East has further slowed diplomatic progress.
Zelenskyy said, to his knowledge, the U.S. mediation team led by Trump’s special envoy Witko and son-in-law Kushner cannot hold talks outside the U.S. in neutral locations during the Iran war.
Zelenskyy noted that the U.S. had proposed hosting trilateral negotiations within the U.S., but Russia refused the proposal—even though Kremlin envoy Dmitryev previously traveled to Florida to meet with U.S. representatives. He added that Ukraine remains ready to hold talks anywhere except in Russia or Belarus, which he described as allies and also enemies.
Zelenskyy emphasized, “We will never be the side that obstructs, delays, or postpones negotiations. That’s why we are willing to meet anywhere except in Russia or Belarus—they are allies, and also adversaries.”
When asked whether he believes Trump cares about Ukraine’s future, Zelenskyy paused, then said, “I hope so. You know the current U.S. policy. They care more about themselves right now. By the way, that’s understandable. We understand that, and I think the American team is very candid about it.”
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1860987879181379/
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