Iran says Ukrainian claims of helping Russia are ‘baseless’

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iran’s foreign ministry on Saturday hit back at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s accusations that Tehran is complicit in Russian “terror.” The ministry said the Ukrainian leader’s claims were “baseless,” despite evidence suggesting the Islamic Republic has supplied Moscow with drones. 

Zelensky on Wednesday slammed Iran for siding with the “evil” Russian state in its war on Ukraine and called on Iranians able to influence government decisions to refrain from siding with Moscow.

In response, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said the Ukrainian president’s comments were a “political show” echoing “baseless allegations” against Tehran. 

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly declared that it is against the war in Ukraine and its continuation, is deeply saddened by the suffering of the people of Ukraine, underscores the need to find a political solution to end it as soon as possible, and is ready to assist in its realization,” Kanaani said. 

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian this month repeated his government’s rejection of allegations that it has supplied Russia with drones for use in its invasion of Ukraine, saying Tehran is not providing assistance to either side of the war. The Islamic Republic has previously said that it sent drones to Russia before the war broke out in February 2022.

“The Ukrainian side’s avoidance of expert talks with the Iranian side in order to investigate the claims confirms their baselessness and the existence of specific political goals and motives behind such accusations against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Kanaani said. 

Ukraine has received large amounts of military support and air defenses from its Western allies, making it difficult for Russian warplanes to target the country. Explosive drones have become a cheaper and more efficient weapon for Russia.

The US, UK, and European Union have imposed several rounds of sanctions on Tehran over the use of Iranian drones in Ukraine.

Earlier this month, Ukraine’s air force said it shot down 21 Iranian-made drones launched from Russia.