Tehran says Zelensky's claims are 'worthless'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Website
27 May 2023 22:29

The spokesperson of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Nasser Kanaani, criticizes Volodymyr Zelensky's accusations against Tehran for allegedly supplying Moscow with drones.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a news conference at the Group of Seven nations' summit in Hiroshima, western Japan, Sunday, May 21, 2023 (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte, Pool)

The Iranian Foreign Ministry lashed out against the claims made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who again alleged that Iran is sending suicide drones to Russia, saying that "the people of Iran are being driven deeper and deeper into the dark side of history."

Nasser Kanaani, the spokesperson of the Iranian Foreign Ministry said that the Ukrainian President's remarks are part of a "political show" aimed at turning Western attention to Kiev in hopes of gaining more aid for his country. Kanaani added that the claims — as has been previously proven — are built on "baseless allegations."

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly declared that it is against the war in Ukraine and its continuation, is deeply saddened by the suffering of the people of Ukraine, underscores the need to find a political solution to end it as soon as possible, and is ready to assist in its realization," Kanaani noted.

The Iranian official added, "The Ukrainian side’s avoidance of expert talks with the Iranian side in order to investigate the claims confirms their baselessness and the existence of specific political goals and motives behind such accusations against the Islamic Republic of Iran."

Kiev held its claims against Tehran since late 2022 and even called for strikes on drone production facilities in the country.

Ukrainian Presidential Adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said in November 2022 that it was necessary to conduct strikes on Iran due to Tehran allegedly supplying drones to Russia.

"It seems to me that it would be possible to deliver specific strikes on the production of drones, ballistic missiles, and so on," Podolyak said.

According to the presidential advisor, the Islamic Republic "cannot continue to do this with impunity", i.e., allegedly providing assistance to Russia.

However, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said earlier today that his country did, indeed, give a small batch of drones to Russia, but that was before the Ukraine war broke out, and since then not delivered any drones to Moscow.