KYIV, Oct 18 (Reuters) – Ukraine’s overseas minister mentioned on Tuesday he was submitting a proposal to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to formally minimize diplomatic ties with Tehran after a wave of Russian assaults utilizing what Kyiv says are Iranian-made drones.
Russia launched dozens of “kamikaze” drones on targets in Ukraine on Monday, putting power infrastructure and killing a number of civilians.
Ukraine says the assaults have been carried out with Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones. Tehran denies supplying the drones.
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Ukrainian Overseas Minister Dmytro Kuleba mentioned Kyiv was sure they have been Iranian and can be able to share a “bag of proof” to European powers doubtful.
“Tehran bears full accountability for the destruction of relations with Ukraine”, Kuleba informed a information convention. “I’m submitting to the president of Ukraine a proposition to sever diplomatic ties with Iran.”
Kuleba mentioned he had urged the European Union to impose sanctions on Iran “for serving to Russia to kill Ukrainians.”
“Extreme sanctions towards Iran are particularly related proper now, as we’re witnessing reviews on Iranian intentions to offer Russia ballistic missiles for use towards Ukrainians,” he mentioned.
“The actions of Iran are vile and deceitful. We gained’t endure them, as a result of all these actions have been finished whereas Iran informed us that they didn’t help the conflict and gained’t help any of the edges with their weapons.”
Kuleba mentioned Kyiv would ship an official word to Israel searching for quick air defence provides and cooperation within the sector.
There was no quick Israeli response to Kuleba’s remarks.
Earlier on Tuesday, a member of Israel’s decision-making safety cupboard, Justice Minister Gideon Saar, informed nationwide broadcaster Military Radio: “Our help for Ukraine doesn’t embrace weapons techniques and weaponry – and there’s no change to that place.”
Whereas Israel has condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and supplied Kyiv with humanitarian aid, it has stopped wanting additionally offering army help, citing concern for continued cooperation with Moscow over next-door Syria.
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Reporting by Max Hunder in Kyiv and Dan Williams in Jerusalem; writing by Tom Balmforth; modifying by Timothy Heritage
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