President Zelensky Criticizes Russia's Defense Of Iran

JAKARTA - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday Russia's defense of Iranian authorities underscores the need for sanctions for stricter sanctions against Moscow.

President Zelensky said the deployment of Shahed's drone designed by Iran and North Korea's ammunition by Russia was evidence that Kyiv's allies did not put sufficient pressure on Moscow.

"Now Russia is trying to save Iran's nuclear program. There is no other possible explanation for their public signal and their non-public activity in this regard," President Zelensky said in a late-night video address.

"When one of their accomplices loses the ability to export war, Russia becomes weak and tries to intervene. It is very cynical and proves time and time again that aggressive regimes cannot be left united and become partners," he said.

When Russia deployed weapons from Tehran and Pyongyang, he said, "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 condemned Israel's attack on Iran and offered to mediate. A Russian deputy foreign minister said Moscow urged Washington to refrain from direct involvement.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the conflict between Israel and Iran had exposed Russian warranties, with Moscow defending Iran's nuclear program and condemning the attack on Tehran, while "unfortunately" attacked Ukraine.

"The only rational conclusion is that Russia cannot be trusted in any situation, and Russia has always been a part of the problem rather than a solution," Foreign Minister Sybiha wrote in English on X.

President Zelensky is known to accuse Russia of rejecting a diplomatic approach and rejecting an unconditional ceasefire in the war, which has lasted more than three years.

In his speech, he said he relied "deeply on" US President Donald Trump to consider tougher sanctions and step up diplomatic efforts to end the war.

On the other hand, President Trump has so far ruled out calls to intensify sanctions against Moscow.

President Zelensky also expressed his willingness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, although he said the Kremlin leader had exceeded the constitutional limits of his position.

The comments refer to Russia's accusations that President Zelensky remained in office without agreeing, based on the provisions of a military emergency in Ukraine, to hold elections.