Zelenskyy on Iranian threats: They've already attacked Ukraine

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pointed out that Iran and North Korea have already attacked Ukraine by supplying Russia with weapons, military technology and troops.

Source: Zelenskyy in an interview with Sky News

Quote: "We have to be cautious. We have to do everything not to open a new front in any way. But we have to be honest. Iranians and North Koreans already attacked us. I hope that they will not increase these attacks, but we have to be ready for everything.

And to know that we can't trust these people, because at the very beginning, without any messages, any kind of escalation from our side, Iranians gave weapons, North Koreans gave weapons. Drones, missiles, artillery rounds 155-calibre, and people – 10,000 North Koreans."

Details: The interviewer asked whether Zelenskyy is concerned about a potential attack following new threats from Iran prompted by a recent Ukrainian strike on a commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea. The president responded that Iran attacked Ukraine long ago by supplying Russia with Shahed drones and production licences.

"They gave thousands of these drones [Shaheds to Russia – ed.] in the first year of the war. Then they gave licences. What did they do? Did they attack us? I think yes. So they already did it," Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy also mentioned the transfer of weapons and military personnel to Russia by North Korea.

Background:

• On 25 July, Iran accused Ukraine of attacking an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea. Tehran described the attack on the Iranian vessel as an act of aggression and accused Kyiv of attempting to expand the war in Ukraine.
• Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated that the country will defend its interests and national security in accordance with the principle of self-defence under international law. The Iranian foreign minister posted a threat directed at Zelenskyy on X (Twitter).
• On 25 July, Zelenskyy announced "very strong results with long‑range strikes in the Caspian Sea", mentioning vessels used in transporting military cargo from Iran.
• Iran had previously threatened Ukraine over its drone assistance to Israel and declared that Ukraine had turned its territory into a legitimate military target. However, Zelenskyy stressed at that time that Ukraine was not at war with Iran.
• Zelenskyy also said on 25 July that Russia is preparing to receive another 30,000 troops from North Korea and new ballistic missile launchers.

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