Russia lacks resources to provide large-scale support to Iran – Zelensky

Russia will not be able to provide substantial assistance to Iran because all of its combat-capable forces are engaged in the war against Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this while speaking with journalists, Ukrinform reports.

"My feeling is not only optimistic. What is the plus? Everyone has realized that Russia is not a guarantor of any security and is not a strong ally, because this is not the first time. Syria, now Iran. We see that Iran has no support. Perhaps they are returning certain missiles or transferring weapons – I think the Russians may be supplying air defense systems. I honestly do not know the details. But they will not be able to help Iran: all their troops, all their combat-capable forces are on our land fighting against us. This once again underscores the limits of their influence both in that direction and in general," he said.

Zelensky noted that if hostilities among countries in the Persian Gulf region continue for a long time, a negative consequence could be a shortage of air defense systems in Eastern countries.

"You see that they are using air defense against Shahed drones. They probably do not have as many missiles as the Iranians have drones. In any case, the consumption is very high. So yes, these are risks for us in terms of quantities. So far, we have not received any signals about a reduction of programs," he said.

On February 28, the United States and Israel carried out joint strikes on the Iranian regime's facilities. Afterward, Iran attacked U.S. bases in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Jordan.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine