Russia has captured satellite images of an American base in Saudi Arabia, Zelensky says. “Helps the Iranians”
Russia captured satellite images of an American air base in Saudi Arabia three times in the days leading up to the Iranian attack on the base, as a result of which American soldiers were injured, according to a summary of the information of the Ukrainian secret services, delivered to NBC News by the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, informs News.ro.
In an interview in Qatar on Saturday, Zelenskiy said he was “100%” convinced that Russia was sharing such information with Iran to help attack US forces in the Middle East. “I think it's in Russia's interest to help the Iranians. And I don't believe — I know — that they're sharing information,” he said. “Does it help the Iranians? Of course. To what extent? One hundred percent.”
Prince Sultan base photographed in three days
During the interview, Zelensky shared a summary of the daily report he receives from Ukrainian intelligence services. The report stated that Russian satellites captured images of Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 20, 23 and 25.
On March 26, Iran attacked the base, where both American and Saudi forces are stationed. Several American soldiers were injured in the attack, two American officials said on Friday.
Zelensky said that, based on Ukraine's experience, Russia's repeated photography of installations over several days is an indication of planning an attack.
“We know that if they image once, they're preparing. If they image a second time, it's like a simulation. The third time means they're going to attack in a day or two,” he said. The briefing did not include evidence of the Russian satellite images, nor did it specify how Ukraine learned about them, and NBC News said it could not verify the accuracy of the information.
NBC News reported earlier this month that Russia was providing Iran with information on the position of US forces in the Middle East, citing four sources familiar with the matter. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov denied in an interview with French media on Thursday that he had provided information to Tehran, although he did say that Moscow had sent military equipment to Iran as part of the long-standing military alliance between the two countries.
Zelenskiy visited the Gulf states this week, trying to hammer out deals to provide combat-tested air defense technology from Ukraine to nations under attack from Iranian missiles and drones.
Zelensky's fears
Zelenskiy said he was concerned that the conflict could lead to the diversion of US weapons from Ukraine to the Middle East, but that so far there had been no disruption to scheduled deliveries to Kiev.
“I am very worried. I hope the United States will not make such mistakes,” he said, adding that arms supplies from Western allies are essential to his country's defense against Russia.
Zelenski said that, in his opinion, Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes for a “long-term war in the Middle East”.
“There is a lot to be gained, a lot to be gained, from this war,” he said, pointing to rising oil prices and the temporary lifting of US sanctions on Russian oil, which means more revenue for the Kremlin. “If the sanctions are lifted, he will get more money, a lot more money, and he will invest that money in weapons.”
