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Ukraine's FM Meets Iran's Counterpart to Ease Tensions
Confirmed
In Short: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi to discuss ways to de-escalate tensions between their countries.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Wednesday.
Sybiha said the meeting was a follow-up to a July phone conversation and aimed to address ongoing tensions, including the July incident where a Ukrainian drone strike on an Iranian ship killed one sailor and injured another.
Sybiha emphasized the importance of direct dialogue, stating, "Diplomacy is about direct conversation, even in challenging circumstances.", and asked Araqchi to refrain from any escalatory actions and to cease support for Russia's war against Ukraine.
The two ministers also exchanged views on the situations in the Middle East and Europe, as well as ongoing peace efforts.
Sybiha reiterated Ukraine's stance in support of restoring peace and stability in both regions, while also stressing Russia's full responsibility for the war and its casualties.
Throughout the nearly five years of conflict, Ukraine has faced Iranian-designed drones used by Russian forces to attack its military, cities, and infrastructure.
Iran, a steadfast ally of Russia, has denounced the Ukrainian drone strike and threatened retaliation, with President Vladimir Putin pledging to support Iran in its conflict with the U.S. over the Strait of Hormuz.
Sybiha's meeting with Araqchi comes as President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the UN General Assembly, calling for continued support for Ukraine and emphasizing the importance of negotiations.
Sybiha's visit to New York is part of his efforts to garner more international support for Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia.
Sybiha wrote on X, "Our conversation focused on mutual steps to prevent further aggravation of tensions between our countries.", highlighting the diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Ukraine and Iran.
Background
Yemen's Houthi rebels have seized key points along Yemen's Red Sea coast, threatening global shipping and intensifying regional tensions.
What's confirmed
- "Diplomacy is about direct conversation, even in challenging circumstances," Sybiha wrote.
- Sybiha said the two ministers exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and Europe "as well as various tracks of ongoing peace efforts".
What's still developing
- In return, Russian leader Vladimir Putin said on Sept. 1 he would keep supporting Iran and supply it with "necessary goods," as it fights against the U.S. over the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran's Foreign Ministry claimed the strike targeted a commercial vessel, killing one sailor and injuring another, describing the move as an act of aggression.