Zelensky Accuses Russia of Blackmailing US Over Military Intelligence Sharing
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a serious allegation, accusing Russia of attempting to blackmail the United States. He claims Moscow has offered to cease sharing military intelligence with Iran if Washington cuts off its intelligence data supply to Kyiv. Speaking from his presidential compound in Kyiv, Zelensky stated he has personally reviewed irrefutable evidence held by Ukraine's military intelligence, though he provided no specific details.
Intelligence Reports and Allegations
Zelensky directly quoted intelligence reports, stating: I have reports from our intelligence services showing that Russia is doing this and saying: 'I will not pass on intelligence to Iran if America stops passing intelligence to Ukraine.' He added, Isn't that blackmail? Absolutely. While he did not specify who Russia allegedly addressed these comments to, Moscow has consistently denied assisting Iran in its month-long conflict with the United States and Israel. Washington confirmed earlier this month that it had received this denial directly from Moscow during discussions on the issue.
Further escalating the claims, Zelensky alleged that some Iranian drones, deployed in attacks against US military assets and allies during the Middle East conflict, contain Russian components. This adds a new layer to the complex geopolitical dynamics, suggesting deeper cooperation between Russia and Iran.
Ukraine's Role in Gulf States
In a related development, Zelensky revealed that Ukraine is actively helping several Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, to counter drone attacks on their territory. This assistance comes as Ukraine has faced sustained attacks by Iranian-designed Shahed drones since Russia launched its invasion in 2022. Zelensky expressed hope that Ukraine would secure long-term deals with some Gulf countries, which could raise funds for producing Ukrainian drone interceptors or acquiring much-needed air-defence missiles.
Escalating Drone Warfare
The allegations come amid a significant escalation in drone warfare. Russia's Ministry of Defence claimed on Wednesday that its air defences downed 389 Ukrainian drones across 13 Russian regions and the illegally annexed Crimean Peninsula. This marks the largest reported overnight attack on Russian territory since the invasion began over four years ago, highlighting Ukraine's growing long-range drone capability.
This extensive assault followed a day after Russia fired almost 1,000 drones and 34 missiles at Ukrainian civilian areas, extending its usual nighttime barrage into daylight in one of the war's biggest aerial attacks. Ukrainian authorities reported at least six people killed and around 50 injured in these strikes.
The situation underscores the intensifying conflict, with both sides leveraging advanced drone technology and intelligence operations, while Zelensky's accusations point to broader international implications involving the US, Iran, and Gulf states.
