UNIPA NEWS(KYIV) 26 March-Russia has attempted to pressure the United States by using intelligence cooperation with Iran as leverage, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has alleged, raising fresh concerns over escalating geopolitical tensions.

In an interview at his presidential office in Kyiv on Wednesday, Zelenskiy claimed that Moscow signaled a willingness to halt the sharing of military intelligence with Tehran—on the condition that Washington would stop providing intelligence support to Ukraine.

Describing the move as a clear attempt at coercion, Zelenskiy said Ukrainian intelligence agencies possess “irrefutable evidence” that Russia continues to assist Iran with sensitive information. While he did not disclose specific details, he confirmed that he had personally reviewed the intelligence reports.

“I have seen reports indicating that Russia is effectively saying: ‘We will stop sharing intelligence with Iran if the United States stops supporting Ukraine with intelligence.’ This is nothing short of blackmail,” Zelenskiy stated.

He did not clarify who within the U.S. or international sphere Russia was directing such messages toward.

The Ukrainian leader further noted that certain Iranian drones—used in attacks against U.S. military assets and allied forces in the Middle East—have been found to contain Russian-made components. This, he suggested, reflects a deeper level of cooperation between Moscow and Tehran than publicly acknowledged.

Russia has denied any involvement in supporting Iran amid its ongoing tensions with the United States and Israel. According to Washington, similar assurances have also been conveyed directly by Moscow in recent discussions.

Ukraine, which has been repeatedly targeted by Iranian-designed Shahed drones since the beginning of Russia’s invasion in 2022, is now working with several Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, to strengthen defenses against drone threats.

Zelenskiy also expressed hope for long-term partnerships with these countries, aimed at securing funding for advanced drone interception systems and acquiring critical air defense missiles—both essential to Ukraine’s ongoing security needs.