'Standing with the people': Ukraine's first response to Israel's attack on Iran
Photo: Andrii Sybiha (Getty Images)
Ukraine expressed support for the Iranian people amid rising tensions in the region and accused the regime in Tehran of terror and repression. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Ukrainians to leave Iran immediately due to security threats.
This was stated by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha during his press conference.
Read also: Biggest military move since Iraq? Trump explains why the US struck Iran
According to Sybiha, Kyiv's position is clear and consistent: the regime in Tehran not only terrorizes its own people but destabilizes the entire region. The minister emphasized that Iranian authorities fund terrorism and armed groups that create instability in other countries.
"We are always on the side of the Iranian people. The people themselves. Years of systemic human rights violations, brutal repression, and executions indicate a deep internal crisis in this state," said the foreign minister.
He also stressed that Tehran had multiple opportunities to avoid a military scenario, as it was repeatedly given chances to resolve conflicts diplomatically.
Warning for Ukrainians
Due to the growing threat, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued early recommendations for its citizens.
Ukrainians are urged to urgently leave Iran, as well as other countries in the region, where their lives and safety may be at risk.
Israeli and US strikes on Iran
The situation in the Middle East escalated after Israel launched a preemptive strike on Iran to neutralize military threats. In response, Tehran fired missiles toward Israeli territory, prompting a nationwide state of emergency.
Shortly afterward, US President Donald Trump confirmed that Israel’s operation in Iran was carried out with US participation. He stated that the decision to launch the operation was driven by the need to eliminate "imminent threats" from Iran.
Later, Iran retaliated by striking Israeli targets and also attacked US military facilities in Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait.
