Zelensky Alleges Russian Spy Satellites Photographed Diego Garcia for Iran
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a startling claim that Russian spy satellites photographed the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia in the Chagos Archipelago "in the interests of Iran" following an attempted missile strike on the island. This allegation, based on an intelligence briefing Zelensky received on Saturday, intensifies existing fears about cooperation between Moscow and Tehran.
Detailed Satellite Activity Revealed
In a detailed post on social media platform X, President Zelensky outlined a series of Russian satellite imaging activities targeting Western and allied facilities in late March. According to his statement, on March 24, Russian satellites captured images of the US-UK joint military facility on Diego Garcia, located in the Indian Ocean. Additionally, they photographed Kuwait International Airport and sections of the infrastructure at the Greater Burgan oil field.
The surveillance continued on March 25 with pictures taken of the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, on March 26, Russian satellites imaged the Shaybah oil and gas field in Saudi Arabia, Incirlik Air Base in Turkey, and Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Zelensky pointedly noted that no Ukrainian facilities appeared on this list, questioning the dynamics of international support and sanctions.
Background of the Iranian Attack on Diego Garcia
The Iranian missile attack on Diego Garcia occurred prior to March 24, involving the launch of two ballistic missiles from approximately 3,800 kilometers away. Reports indicate that one missile failed during flight, while the other was successfully intercepted and shot down by the US Navy. This incident has positioned Diego Garcia as a significant flashpoint in transatlantic relations, particularly following initial refusals and subsequent permissions from UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer regarding US use of the base for strikes against Iranian targets.
Other facilities mentioned by Zelensky, including Prince Sultan Air Base and Al Udeid Air Base, have also reportedly been attacked by Iran in recent conflicts. The Ministry of Defence has previously stated it is "highly likely" that Russia shared intelligence with Iran even before the outbreak of war last month, lending credence to Zelensky's claims and amplifying concerns about strategic alliances.
UK Government Faces Fuel Duty Pressure Amid Regional Tensions
Concurrently, UK ministers are under mounting pressure to cancel a planned increase in fuel duty, driven by rising petrol prices and potential shortages following Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The proposed rise stems from the government's decision in the last budget to end a temporary cut in fuel duty initially implemented after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In broadcast interviews, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson declined to confirm whether the government would proceed with the increase, which would see fuel duty rise by 1p per litre in September and an additional 2p in December. She emphasized that "for now, there is no need to take action" and expressed hope for a de-escalation of the conflict. Phillipson also downplayed prospects of fuel shortages, encouraging normal consumption and summer holiday bookings.
Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch countered by advocating for increased domestic oil and gas drilling in the North Sea rather than rationing. According to the RAC, average petrol prices have surged more than 12% since the war's outbreak and are nearing 150p per litre, a threshold not seen in nearly two years. The Ministry of Defence has been contacted for comment on Zelensky's allegations but has not yet issued a response.
