Ukraine's top diplomat urges efforts to prevent further Mideast escalation

ISTANBUL

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha on Friday called for urgent efforts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East, warning that continued instability in the region could endanger global security.

Speaking at a panel discussion during the GLOBSEC-2025 forum in Prague, Sybiha emphasized the broader implications of regional conflict and criticized Iran’s ongoing support for Russia.

“It is important to prevent escalation and destabilization in the region. This is extremely important. And please do not forget that Iran is a country that supplies weapons to Russia,” Sybiha said, cited by Interfax-Ukraine.

He stressed that preventing further conflict in the Middle East is vital for global stability, adding: “This destabilization will affect global security.”

Ukraine has repeatedly condemned Iran for supplying drones and other weapons to Russia, which have been used in attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and cities.

Sybiha’s comments came shortly after massive Israeli airstrikes early Friday.

According to Israeli army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, 200 Israeli aircraft dropped 330 munitions on Iranian targets, killing several top Iranian officials, including Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander Hossein Salami.

In retaliation, Iran launched more than 100 drones toward Israel.

Both sides are reportedly preparing for further military confrontations, including possible Iranian ballistic missile strikes.