WASHINGTON D.C March 14, 2026 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed that Russia is providing intelligence support to Iran, enabling attacks on American military assets in the Middle East, according to a recent interview. The allegations come as tensions in the region intensify following the outbreak of hostilities between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
In an exclusive interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria aired on March 14, 2026, Zelensky stated that Ukrainian intelligence indicates Russia is sharing targeting information with Tehran. “My intelligence told me… that they share information, intelligence with Iranian regime. They helped them,” Zelensky said, responding to reports of Russian involvement. He further noted that Russia has supplied Iran with Shahed drones, which have been used against U.S. bases, adding, “I have 100% facts that Iranian regime used [them] against American bases in Middle East neighbors of Iran.”
The claims align with earlier reports from U.S. officials. Russia has been providing Iran with targeting data on American warships and aircraft since the war began on March 6, 2026, enabling strikes on U.S. forces and allies in the Gulf. This marks the first known instance of Russia indirectly participating in the conflict, according to three officials familiar with the intelligence. A building near the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain was damaged by an Iranian drone attack over the weekend, highlighting the ongoing threats.
Zelensky’s remarks also referenced Russia’s perspective, suggesting Moscow views its actions as reciprocal: “They said if Europe and United States can help Ukraine with intelligence in this war, it means Russia can help Iranian regime. This is their point of view.”
Russian officials have denied the allegations. In response to similar reports, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff stated that Moscow is not involved in sharing such intelligence. However, Western intelligence sources have corroborated Russia’s role in advising Iran on advanced drone tactics drawn from its experiences in Ukraine.
In a bid to counter these threats, Ukraine has stepped up as an unlikely ally to the U.S. and Gulf states. Zelensky announced that Kyiv is sending military experts and interceptor drones to the region to assist in defending against Iranian Shahed drones—the same models Russia has deployed against Ukraine since 2022. “We reacted immediately,” Zelensky told The New York Times, emphasizing Ukraine’s expertise in neutralizing these weapons. Over a dozen countries, including the U.S. and European allies, have requested Ukrainian support for their defensive capabilities.
The accusations have sparked varied reactions. Iranian lawmakers have labeled Ukraine a “legitimate target” for supplying drone support to Israel and U.S. allies, citing the UN Charter. Meanwhile, Zelensky has accused Russia of exploiting the Middle East war to escalate destruction in Ukraine, amid concerns over depleted air-defense resources in the Gulf.
This development underscores the interconnected nature of global conflicts, with Russia’s alliance with Iran potentially straining its relations with the West further. As the situation evolves, analysts warn of broader implications for international security, including possible retaliatory actions linking the Ukraine and Middle East theaters.
Life News Agency will continue to monitor updates on this story.
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