Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv to cut diplomatic ties with Iran over drone attacks

Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said this week that he plans to propose cutting diplomatic relations with Iran. This comes as Russia’s drone attacks across Ukraine were done by Iran-made drones.

Kuleba said Tuesday that he intends to submit a proposal to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to formally cut diplomatic ties with Iran. This follows the recent surge of Russian attacks that Kyiv says were done with Iran-made drones. Ukraine said Russia launched dozens of “kamikaze” drones on civilian targets in Ukraine the day before, destroying infrastructure and killing civilians.

Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones were allegedly used by Russian forces in Ukraine. Tehran has denied supplying Russia with such drones. Kuleba said Kyiv was sure the drones were Iranian and are prepared to share the proof with European countries if needed.

“Tehran bears full responsibility for the destruction of relations with Ukraine,” Kuleba told a news conference. “I am submitting to the president of Ukraine a proposition to sever diplomatic ties with Iran.”

Kuleba added that he urged the European Union to impose sanctions on Iran “for helping Russia to kill Ukrainians.”

“Severe sanctions against Iran are especially relevant right now, as we are witnessing reports on Iranian intentions to give Russia ballistic missiles to be used against Ukrainians,” said Kuleba.

“The actions of Iran are vile and deceitful. We won’t suffer them, because all those actions were done while Iran told us that they didn’t support the war and won’t support any of the sides with their weapons.”

Kuleba also said Kyiv will appeal to Israel requesting immediate air defense supplies and cooperation in the sector.

Despite the appeal to Israel for arms, Israeli defense minister Benny Gantz and opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that they are not going to send arms to Ukraine, instead noting the humanitarian aid they are providing.

Gantz told the Orthodox Kol Chai radio on Tuesday that Israel is not going to alter its policy of not sending weapons and instead pledged to continue sending humanitarian aid.

Gantz added that Israel has not previously sold weapons to Ukraine. Despite Gantz’s refusal, Prime Minister Yair Lapid is set to speak with Kuleba on Thursday.