Zelenskyy reveals Russia–Iran weapons 'barter' deal
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (facebook.com/zelenskyy.official)
Russia supplies weapons to Iran and uses profits from energy resources to support the Iranian regime, posing a threat to security in the Middle East, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in his interview with France Inter.
Read also: Zelenskyy hints at secret agreements with Macron
Russia–Iran cooperation
According to the president, Russia is a direct ally of the Iranian regime. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is using high oil prices and the removal of certain restrictions to finance weapons, which are then transferred to Tehran.
“He supplies Iran, and we know this—our intelligence confirms it. He invests money in Shahed drones to pass them to Iran, and the Iranian regime uses them to attack American bases,” Zelenskyy stressed.
The president warned the international community against lifting economic sanctions on Russia, since the funds received are invested by the Kremlin exclusively in weapons.
Ukraine helping partners
Ukraine is already sharing its own experience in countering Shahed drones with Western allies.
At the request of the American side, Kyiv has sent its experts to help the United States counter Iranian technologies in the Middle East.
“We decided to send our experts. That is exactly what we were asked for, and we responded immediately,” the head of state said, adding that Ukraine is currently a global leader in drone technologies.
Guerre au Moyen-Orient : "Les Américains nous demandent de les aider" à faire face aux drones Shahed, explique Volodymyr Zelensky (@ZelenskyyUa)
— France Inter (@franceinter) March 13, 2026
En savoir plus : https://t.co/JZGfjS2JNO pic.twitter.com/PgvCxvyg8i
Domestic situation and democracy
Responding to questions about internal challenges and corruption scandals, Zelenskyy emphasized that the presence of public criticism during wartime is proof that “democracy in Ukraine is alive and flourishing.”
He contrasted this with the situation in Russia, where there is no freedom of speech and all decisions are made by one person.
Other statements by Zelenskyy
It should be recalled that Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently intrigued observers with a statement about secret agreements with partners, the details of which have not yet been disclosed.
The president also commented on US President Donald Trump's refusal to support certain forms of assistance. He described the situation in relations with the American politician and the peace negotiations with Russia as “a whole Santa Barbara.”
