Raisi Slams Military Aid To Ukraine Amid Iran's Drone Supply To Russia

Amid accusations of Iran supplying military equipment and drones to Russia, President Ebrahim Raisi has criticized financial and military aid to Ukraine.

In an interview with RT Spanish, Raisi attributed the conflict between Moscow and Kiev to NATO's ambition to expand its influence into multiple countries and establish military bases not only in Ukraine but in various other counties.

Raisi reiterated Tehran's claim that "Those providing aid, including financial and military support to Ukraine, are not seeking an end to the war but rather its prolongation at any cost." The allegations surfaced despite ongoing reports from both Kiev and US officials about Iran's military support to Russia.

Iran, however, continues to deny any involvement in providing drones to Russia. Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian earlier reiterated, "Our stance on the Ukraine issue is clear and transparent, and our foreign policy remains unaffiliated with any party."

Sor far, the Ukrainian Air Force has reported downing hundreds of Iranian-made combat and kamikaze drones, specifically Shahed-131 and Shahed-136, deployed by Russia in its offensive. Multiple countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand, have imposed several rounds of sanctions on Iran due to alleged drone provision in the Ukraine conflict.

Raisi also emphasized the growing relationship and cooperation between Iran and Russia across various domains. He concluded, "Today's challenges have not impacted our strategic relationship with Russia, which remains unaltered by global developments."