Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi to warn against escalation after a Ukrainian strike hit an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea, killing one sailor. Sybiha urged Iran to end support for Russia and stressed Ukraine's actions were defensive and not meant to target civilians. Iran said the attack "cannot go unanswered," while Israel signalled closer cooperation with Kyiv over concerns about Iran.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Warns Iran Against Escalation, Urges End To Support For Russia
FILE PHOTO: Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha attends a European Union Foreign Ministers' meeting in Brussels, Belgium July 13, 2026. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo
July 28 (Reuters) - Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on Tuesday he phoned his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araqchi, after Tehran condemned a Ukrainian drone strike on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea. Sybiha said he warned Araqchi against any steps that could escalate the situation and urged Iran to stop supporting Russia's war against Ukraine.
Call Confirmed, Tensions High
Iran confirmed the conversation took place. Araqchi had earlier said the Ukrainian strike, which killed one sailor and injured another, "cannot go unanswered." Sybiha, writing on X, said he "emphasised the necessity to refrain from any escalatory steps, as well as to end any support for Russia's war against Ukraine. This war is illegal and it must end."
Ukraine's Position and Wider Context
Sybiha reiterated that Ukraine's operations are "aimed solely at defending our country from Russian aggression and never intended to target civilian vessels or people." Over more than four years of conflict, Ukraine has repeatedly faced attacks from Iranian-designed drones supplied to Russia. Kyiv says it has developed counter-drone technology and has offered assistance to Middle Eastern countries that have been struck this year by attacks Tehran is accused of launching.
Casualties: One sailor killed and another injured in the Caspian Sea incident.
International Reactions
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar wrote on X that he spoke with Sybiha, discussed shared challenges including the threat posed by Iran, and looked forward to deepening cooperation with Ukraine. The exchange underscores growing diplomatic activity as Kyiv seeks to limit escalation and isolate Russia diplomatically while addressing regional spillover risks.
Reporting: Ron Popeski. Editing: Nia Williams.
Help us improve.
