Ukraine: Iran Is an Accomplice in the War, Not Qualified to Play Victim

A recent Ukrainian military attack on an Iranian cargo vessel has sparked international concern, triggering mutual accusations between Iran and Ukraine. On Monday, September 27, Ukraine's Acting Foreign Minister Sybiha posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating firmly, "Iran's threats are baseless and unjustified."

Sybiha accused Iran of being a "direct accomplice" in Russia's military operations against Ukraine, asserting that Iran's arms supplies to Russia have "taken Ukrainian lives." He emphasized that Iran has no right to "pose as a victim," let alone "absurdly invoke the UN Charter for justification."

Sybiha has served as Ukraine's foreign minister since September 2024 and resumed his role as acting minister on September 17 following a cabinet reshuffle, aimed at maintaining the "continuity in foreign policy" as stated by newly appointed Prime Minister Kuleba.

On September 25, the Ukrainian military attacked an Iranian cargo ship in the Caspian Sea. Iran strongly condemned the incident and summoned Ukraine's chargé d'affaires in Tehran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi posted on X on September 26, stating that "Zelenskyy attacked an Iranian commercial vessel," resulting in the death of one crew member. He claimed the act was a "blatant violation of the UN Charter," carried out at Israel's behest to drag Europe into the war.