Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday condemned Iran’s attack on Israel, saying that Russia has used the same suicide drones to devastating effect during its invasion of his country.
“Ukraine condemns Iran’s attack on Israel using ‘Shahed’ drones and missiles. We in Ukraine know very well the horror of similar attacks by Russia, which uses the same ‘Shahed’ drones and Russian missiles, the same tactics of mass air strikes,” Zelensky tweeted.
“Every effort must be made to prevent a further escalation in the Middle East. Iran’s actions threaten the entire region and the world, just as Russia’s actions threaten a larger conflict, and the obvious collaboration between the two regimes in spreading terror must face a resolute and united response from the world,” he continued.
“The sound of ‘Shahed’ drones, a tool of terror, is the same in the skies over the Middle East and Europe. This sound must serve as a wake-up call to the free world, demonstrating that only our unity and resoluteness can save lives and prevent the spread of terror worldwide.
“The world cannot wait for discussions to go on. Words do not stop drones and do not intercept missiles. Only tangible assistance does. The assistance we are anticipating. We must strengthen security and resolutely counter all those who want to make terror a new normal.
“It is critical that the United States Congress make the necessary decisions to strengthen America’s allies at this critical time.”
Russia has received attack and reconnaissance drones from Iran during its war with Ukraine, which it has deployed on the battlefield, using the kamikaze drones to target Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.
Moscow, a close ally of Tehran, called for restraint in a statement issued on Sunday regarding the Iranian attack.
“We express our extreme concern over another dangerous escalation in the region,” the foreign ministry said. “We call on all parties involved to exercise restraint.”
Russia noted in the statement that Tehran claims the attack was carried out in self-defense.
The Islamic Republic fired more than 300 missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles from its territory toward Israel overnight Saturday, in what Tehran says was retaliation for the April 1 killing of several Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officers in Syria by Israel.
Moscow previously condemned Israel’s alleged strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. Jerusalem has not officially taken responsibility for the attack and has said that it did not target an embassy or consulate.
“According to our intelligence, this is neither a consulate nor an embassy,” IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said, adding that the target struck was a “military building of Quds forces disguised as a civilian structure in Damascus.”
Moscow also noted that a U.N. Security Council attempt to address the Israeli strike was blocked.
“We have repeatedly warned that the numerous unresolved crises in the Middle East, primarily in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone, which are often fueled by irresponsible provocative actions, will lead to an increase in tension,” the ministry said.
