Ukraine has issued a stark warning to Iran, threatening to sever diplomatic ties if Russia utilizes ballistic missiles supplied by Tehran to attack Ukrainian territory. This warning comes on the heels of a statement by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who asserted that Russia has already received the missiles from Iran, two and a half years into the full-scale invasion. Blinken anticipates Moscow will deploy these weapons in the coming weeks. While Iran vehemently denies providing these arms, Ukraine’s stance reflects the growing gravity of the situation.
The potential use of Iranian ballistic missiles by Russia would mark a substantial escalation in the conflict. Ukraine, already facing a relentless barrage of Russian missile and drone strikes, considers the implications of such a move devastating. Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi, when asked if Kyiv would cut ties with Tehran, stated, “I will not say now exactly what is meant by devastating consequences, so as not to weaken our diplomatic position. But I can say that all options, including the one you mentioned, are on the table.”
Ukraine’s allies, including the US, have condemned the alleged delivery of ballistic missiles as a significant escalation and have pledged further sanctions against Iran. Andriy Yermak, Ukraine’s top presidential official, while acknowledging the positive impact of such sanctions, believes they are not a sufficient response. He advocates for a more robust response, including authorization to use Western weapons against Russian military targets, the provision of longer-range missiles, and the enhancement of Ukraine’s air defense systems.
The Kremlin has yet to comment on Blinken’s statements regarding the Iranian missile supply. However, it did state on Monday that it is developing dialogue with Iran in all areas.
This latest development comes on the heels of Ukraine’s downgrading of diplomatic ties with Iran in 2022. This decision was prompted by Tehran’s supply of Shahed attack drones to Russia. Moscow has since employed these drones extensively for long-range attacks on Ukrainian targets.
The potential deployment of Iranian ballistic missiles by Russia represents a significant escalation, raising concerns about a potential broader regional conflict. These missiles, with their greater range and payload, pose a more significant threat than the Shahed drones, which are relatively easier to intercept due to their slower speed.
In August, Reuters reported that Russia anticipated receiving hundreds of Fath-360 close-range ballistic missiles from Iran and that dozens of Russian troops had undergone training on their operation. The implications of this potential development remain a source of serious concern for Ukraine and its allies.
