Kyiv, March 29 (ANI) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday that Russian satellites photographed US military facilities in the Middle East and Gulf region multiple times in the days before an Iranian attack, including Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.
Zelenskyy said Russian satellites imaged the US–UK joint facility on Diego Garcia in the Chagos Archipelago, Kuwait International Airport, and parts of the Greater Burgan oil field on March 24; Prince Sultan Air Base on March 25; and the Shaybah oil and gas field in Saudi Arabia, Incirlik Air Base in Türkiye, and Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on March 26.
In a post on X, he said he received daily intelligence briefings while traveling and was told the facilities were photographed “in the interests of Iran.” He argued that repeated reconnaissance typically signals preparation for strikes and questioned the logic of easing sanctions on Russia if it is providing intelligence that could be used against US, UK and regional targets.
“There are no Ukrainian facilities on this list. But who is helping whom when sanctions are lifted from an aggressor that earns daily revenue and provides intelligence for strikes against American, Middle Eastern, UK, and U.S.-UK bases and so on?” Zelenskyy said, adding that lifting sanctions does not exert pressure on an aggressor.
Zelenskyy also emphasized Ukraine’s strengths in drone warfare and integrated defence systems, describing a comprehensive export package that pairs drones, electronic warfare, and defence integration — backed by Ukrainian military experience. He said Ukraine is preparing drone deals that include systems and specialists and noted steps already underway with three countries.
“Because our enemy is extensively using the Iranian ‘Shahed’ drone technology, we have developed our own system. And today, we are sharing what we have developed with countries in the Middle East,” he said, adding that Ukraine’s experience makes it a valuable partner.
He described broader cooperation with Gulf partners covering weapons co-production, exchange of expertise, and long-term energy cooperation. Zelenskyy said Ukraine had signed ten-year agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar focusing on co-production, manufacturing lines in Ukraine and partner countries, and energy security measures such as diesel supply guarantees. He noted an agreement reached to secure diesel supplies for at least one year.
Separately, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Iran’s Seyed Abbas Araghchi held a telephone conversation on March 27, during which they discussed prospects for steering the conflict — which Russia described as triggered by “unprovoked US-Israeli aggression against Iran” — toward a political and diplomatic settlement, according to the Russian MFA.
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