Zelenskyy Accuses Russia of Assisting Iran in Targeting U.S. Bases

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he will provide evidence to the United States indicating that Russia is aiding Iran in targeting U.S. military bases in the Middle East through satellite surveillance. Zelenskyy stated, ‘Since the beginning of July, we have recorded active Russian satellite surveillance of the Gulf states and U.S. military facilities located there.’

Images from these Russian satellites reportedly appear in Iran. Zelenskyy noted a correlation between Russia’s satellite imagery and Iranian strikes, which are consistent before, during, and after attacks to assess damages. Accusations of Russia supporting Iran in targeting U.S. forces have surfaced before. A senior U.S. official had previously informed CBS News of Russia providing intelligence to Iran about U.S. positions in the Middle East. Media reports over recent months have also speculated on China’s possible involvement.

During a congressional hearing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth responded to questions about Russian and Chinese assistance to Iran. His response was vague, but he acknowledged some levels of cooperation. Hegseth mentioned, ‘There’s definitely adversary alignment, attempts to do so, and there are many ways that we deter that. And the depth and extent of it ought to remain classified.’

However, days after Hegseth’s statement, President Trump refuted the claim on Truth Social. Trump asserted that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin assured him of their non-involvement. ‘If they did, it would be very bad for them,’ Trump wrote, suggesting it is not in their interests.

The U.S. has about 45,000 military personnel and numerous bases in the Middle East. Zelenskyy cited specific instances of Russian assistance. ‘On July 19 and 20 alone, four air bases fell within the area of interest of Russian satellites — two in Bahrain, one in Jordan, and one in Kuwait,’ Zelenskyy stated. He stressed, ‘Russia must be stopped. This war must be stopped. Pressure on the aggressor must work.’

Eighteen American service members have died since the Iranian conflict began, including four recently: three in a strike on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, and one in Iraq. Earlier, six were killed in a strike on a Kuwaiti installation in March, and six more died in a plane crash in Iraq that same month. In Saudi Arabia, one soldier was killed in an attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base.

U.S. officials report nearly 100 American service members have been injured in various Iranian airstrikes on bases in the region this month.