Ukraine s Zelenskiy Russia s defence of Iran shows need to tighten sanctions

KYIV - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on June 19 that Russias defence of Irans authorities underscored the need for intensified sanctions against Moscow.

Mr Zelensky said Russia’s deployment of Iranian-designed Shahed drones and North Korean munitions was proof that Kyiv’s allies were applying insufficient pressure against Moscow.

“Now Russia is trying to save the Iranian nuclear programme. There cannot be any other possible explanation for their public signals and their non-public activity on this,” Mr Zelensky said, in his nightly video address.

“When one of their accomplices loses their capability to export war, Russia is weakened and tries to interfere. This is so cynical and proves time and again that aggressive regimes cannot be allowed to unite and become partners.”

When Russia deploys weaponry 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 has denounced Israeli strikes against Iran and offered to mediate. A Russian deputy foreign minister said Moscow was urging Washington to refrain from direct involvement.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the conflict between Israel and Iran had exposed Russian hypocrisy, with Moscow defending Iran’s nuclear programme and condemning strikes against Tehran while “ruthlessly” attacking Ukraine.

“The only rational conclusion is that Russia cannot be trusted in any situation, and it is always part of the problem rather than the solution,” Mr Sybiha wrote in English on X.

Mr Zelensky has accused Russia of refusing diplomatic approaches and rejecting an unconditional ceasefire in the war, which has lasted more than three years.

In his address, he said he was “very much counting on” US President Donald Trump to consider tougher sanctions and boost diplomatic efforts to end the war. Mr Trump has so far