29.03.2026 00:50
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he is certain Russia is sharing intelligence with Iran to assist in targeting U.S. forces in the Middle East, saying, "They are helping the Iranians one hundred percent." In a summary of a report from Ukrainian intelligence shared by Zelensky, it was claimed that Russian satellites have photographed the Incirlik Air Base in Turkey.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed during an interview he gave during his visit to Qatar today that Russia is assisting Iran in the Middle East war.
CLAIM THAT "RUSSIAN SATELLITES HAVE CAPTURED IMAGES OF MANY BASES INCLUDING INCIRLIK"
Zelensky, who argued that Russia is providing intelligence to Iran to help target U.S. forces across the Middle East, said, "I think helping the Iranians is in Russia's interest. I believe they are sharing information with the Iranians. I know this. They are helping the Iranians one hundred percent."
In a summary of a report from Ukrainian intelligence shared during the interview, it was stated that Russian satellites captured images of the Prince Sultan base in Saudi Arabia on March 20, 23, and 25. The report also claimed that on March 24, images were taken of the U.S.-UK base Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean, Kuwait International Airport in Kuwait, and an oil field area; on March 25, images of the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia; and on March 26, images of the Shaybah oil and gas field in Saudi Arabia, Incirlik Air Base in Turkey, and Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar were captured.
"THEIR CAPTURING IMAGES FOR THE THIRD TIME MEANS THEY WILL ATTACK"
Zelensky stated that Ukraine's experiences indicate that Russia capturing images consecutively from certain points signifies a plan for an attack. Zelensky said, "If they are capturing images once, we understand they are preparing; if they are capturing images a second time, we understand this is a simulation of an attack. If it happens a third time, it means they will attack within one or two days." The Ukrainian intelligence report did not contain evidence of Russian satellite images and did not provide data on how Ukraine obtained this information.
"PUTIN IS BENEFITING FROM THIS WAR"
In the interview, Zelensky, the Ukrainian leader, expressed his belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes the war in the Middle East will last a long time, pointing to rising oil prices in Russia and the temporary lifting of sanctions on Russian oil by the U.S., stating, "Putin is benefiting from this war. He is benefiting a lot." Zelensky added, "If the sanctions are lifted, Putin will make much more money and invest that money in weapons."
"NEGOTIATIONS CAN BE HELD IN TURKEY OR SWITZERLAND"
Referring to the peace talks conducted with U.S. mediation between Russia and the U.S., Zelensky expressed that Ukraine is ready to participate in negotiations in every country except Russia and Belarus, stating that it is possible for the negotiations to be hosted by Turkey or Switzerland. Zelensky said, "We will not be the party that resorts to obstruction, delay, or postponement. Therefore, we are ready to negotiate everywhere except Russia and Belarus."
In response to a question about whether U.S. President Trump is thinking about Ukraine's future, Zelensky hesitated for a moment and replied, "I hope so." Zelensky stated, "You know the U.S. policy. They think more about the U.S. Of course, this is understandable. We understand this, and the American side is quite clear on this matter."
PRINCE SULTAN BASE WAS HIT ON MARCH 26
The Prince Sultan Base in Saudi Arabia, which hosts American and Saudi forces and was mentioned in Zelensky's statement, was hit by Iran on March 26, and it was reported that there were injuries among American military personnel in the attack.
Previously, U.S. media had shared a report based on familiar sources claiming that Russia provided intelligence to Iran regarding the locations of U.S. forces in the Middle East. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov denied the claim of sharing intelligence with Iran in a statement to the French press on Thursday. On the other hand, Lavrov confirmed that his country has sent military equipment to Iran within the framework of long-standing military alliances.