Zelenskyy Alleges Russian Satellite Surveillance of US Bases for Iran
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made a startling claim that Russia captured satellite images of US air bases in the Gulf region, including the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, "multiple times" ahead of an Iranian attack. According to Zelenskyy, this indicates that Tehran may have been preparing for the strike with Russian assistance.
Detailed Timeline of Alleged Surveillance
In a series of posts on social media platform X, Zelenskyy provided a detailed account of the alleged surveillance activities:
- March 24: Russian satellites imaged the US-UK joint military facility on Diego Garcia in the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, along with Kuwait International Airport and parts of the Greater Burgan oil field.
- March 25: Images were taken of the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.
- March 26: Surveillance captured the Shaybah oil and gas field in Saudi Arabia, Incirlik Air Base in Turkiye, and Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
"There are no Ukrainian facilities on this list," Zelenskyy noted pointedly. "But who is helping whom when sanctions are lifted from an aggressor that earns daily revenue and provides intelligence for strikes against American, Middle Eastern, UK, and US-UK bases?"
Zelenskyy Questions Sanctions Policy
The Ukrainian leader emphasized that repeated reconnaissance typically signals preparations for strikes, questioning why sanctions would be eased against Russia given these activities. "When surveillance is conducted over facilities in Ukraine, we always understand they must be protected, as plans are underway to destroy them — energy and water infrastructure, military facilities, and more," he explained.
Middle East Diplomacy and Defense Agreements
Zelenskyy made these revelations during a visit to the Middle East amid the ongoing US-Israel and Iran conflict. During his trip, he announced 10-year defense agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, both Gulf states, covering co-production and energy security.
He highlighted Kyiv's strengths in drone warfare and defense systems, pointing to a comprehensive package that includes drones, electronic warfare, and integrated defense capabilities. "We want to prepare drone deals for partners supporting us and be ready for any challenges," Zelenskyy stated.
Ukraine as Emerging Defense Tech Hub
Zelenskyy underscored Ukraine's emergence as a defense technology hub, drawing on its experience countering Iranian drone systems. "As a result of this war, and because our enemy extensively uses Iranian 'Shahed' drone technology, we have developed our own systems," he explained. "Today, we are sharing these developments with countries in the Middle East."
The Ukrainian president emphasized that Kyiv has reshaped the geopolitical landscape through its technological advancements. "It is clear that Russia is sharing intelligence with Iran, and equally clear that, in terms of expertise, no one can assist the way Ukraine can," he asserted.
Regional Context and Iranian Retaliation
The allegations come as Iran has targeted Gulf countries hosting America's military bases in retaliation for joint US-Israel strikes across the Islamic Republic that triggered the ongoing conflict. Regional governments are reportedly weighing whether to join the war while remaining skeptical about the prospects of a deal between former US President Donald Trump and Tehran.
Zelenskyy concluded by emphasizing Ukraine's unique position: "If Ukraine is to be treated at a high level, it's not just about drones; it's about our specialists and armed forces. The combination of experienced personnel with both private and public sectors in a unified system is what we aim to offer as a long-term export model." He revealed that Ukraine has already begun such steps with three countries.
