Zelensky: Russia’s defense of Iran shows need to tighten sanctions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says that Russia’s defense of Iran’s authorities underscores the need for intensified sanctions against Moscow.

Zelenskiy says Russia’s deployment of Iranian-designed Shahed drones and North Korean munitions was proof that Kyiv’s allies were applying insufficient pressure against Moscow.

“Now Russia is trying to save the Iranian nuclear programme. There cannot be any other possible explanation for their public signals and their non-public activity on this,” Zelenskiy says in his nightly video address.

“When one of their accomplices loses their capability to export war, Russia is weakened and tries to interfere. This is so cynical and proves time and again that aggressive regimes cannot be allowed to unite and become partners.”

When Russia deploys weaponry from Tehran and Pyongyang, he says, “it is a clear sign that global solidarity and global pressure are not strong enough.”

Russia signed a strategic partnership with Iran this year. Moscow has denounced Israeli strikes against Iran and offered to mediate. A Russian deputy foreign minister said Moscow was urging Washington to refrain from direct involvement.

In his address, he says he is “very much counting on” US President Donald Trump to consider tougher sanctions and boost diplomatic efforts to end the war. Trump has so far ruled out calls to intensify sanctions against Moscow.