Kyiv Post

Russia Provides Iran with Intelligence on Over 50 Israeli Energy Infrastructure Targets, Says Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed in an interview with the Associated Press that Russia has supplied Iran with satellite intelligence on more than 50 targets within Israel's energy infrastructure to aid in potential attacks.

In a significant disclosure, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated during an interview with the Associated Press that Russia has provided Iran with satellite reconnaissance data concerning over 50 targets related to Israel's energy infrastructure. This intelligence is intended to assist Iran in executing attacks against these civilian facilities, which do not serve military purposes. Zelensky emphasized that the information encompasses approximately 50 to 53 locations within Israel's civilian infrastructure.

Drawing a direct parallel between these actions and Russia's ongoing campaign against Ukraine's energy and water systems, Zelensky remarked on the transfer of knowledge gained by Russia during its war against Ukraine to Iran. "Of course, all the experience that Russia has acquired during the war against Ukraine is being transferred to Iran," he noted on his official Telegram channel on Sunday, April 5.

The Ukrainian President also pointed out that this collaboration reflects a previously executed transfer of drone technology, specifically the Shahed drones, which Russia later modified and upgraded for its own use. This revelation comes at a critical diplomatic juncture, as Zelensky warns that the prolonged conflict in the Middle East is diverting global attention away from Kyiv and distracting essential Western resources for air defense, such as Patriot missiles.

Ukraine remains heavily reliant on these U.S.-manufactured systems to counter daily Russian aerial assaults. In this context, Zelensky is positioning Ukraine as a potential strategic partner for Gulf Arab nations that are facing threats from Iran. He proposed an exchange of technology involving Ukrainian interceptors and maritime drones in return for anti-ballistic missiles from the region.

Furthermore, Zelensky suggested offering assistance in restoring operations in the Strait of Hormuz, leveraging Ukraine's expertise in securing maritime corridors in the Black Sea. This initiative could represent a pivotal step in enhancing regional security and ensuring stability in international maritime routes.

The President underscored that the Kremlin is reaping substantial economic and military benefits from the conflict in the Middle East. The rise in oil prices, triggered by regional instability, bolsters Moscow's position, enabling it to continue financing its military endeavors.

Consequently, the situation in the Middle East has a direct impact on the conflict in Ukraine, and Zelensky is urging the international community to pay attention to these challenges, which pose threats not only to Ukraine but also to global security as a whole.