Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed that Russia conducted satellite surveillance of US and allied military facilities in the Middle East and shared the intelligence with Iran, raising concerns about potential coordination targeting Western interests.
The remarks were made in a post on Zelensky’s official X account, where he outlined the latest intelligence briefings he received during a recent trip abroad.
Satellite Images of US and Gulf Facilities
Zelensky stated that Russian satellites had photographed several military and strategic locations across the Middle East and Gulf region.
According to him, the targets included the joint US-UK military facility at Diego Garcia, Kuwait International Airport, and parts of the Greater Burgan oil field.
He added that further imagery captured the Prince Sultan Air Base, the Shaybah oil field, Incirlik Air Base, and Al Udeid Air Base in the following days.
Zelensky suggested that the intelligence was gathered “in the interest of Iran,” though he did not provide additional evidence.
Warning of Possible Strike Preparations
Drawing parallels with Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Zelensky argued that such surveillance typically precedes military strikes.
“When surveillance is conducted over facilities in Ukraine, we always understand that they must be protected,” he said, noting that repeated reconnaissance often signals preparations to target infrastructure.
He warned that similar patterns applied elsewhere should raise concern.
“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 attacks?” Zelensky added.
Criticism of Sanctions Policy
Zelensky also linked the alleged intelligence-sharing to ongoing debates about sanctions, suggesting that easing restrictions could indirectly benefit activities targeting Western and allied infrastructure.
“There must be pressure on the aggressor. Lifting sanctions is certainly not pressure,” he stated.
He described the situation as contradictory, arguing that sanctions relief is being discussed while Russia is allegedly supporting intelligence efforts related to potential attacks on Western and allied targets.
Zelensky’s comments come as he visits the Middle East and Gulf region, where Ukraine is pursuing defense cooperation agreements and security partnerships. The trip is part of Kyiv’s broader efforts to strengthen international ties and expand military-technical cooperation amid the ongoing war with Russia.
