Ukraine announced it struck an Iranian-flagged ship in the Caspian Sea with a long-range drone. This incident is considered a notable development as the conflict expands beyond the Black Sea region into a new geography.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the targeted ship was carrying military cargo from Iran to Russia, including spare parts for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and missiles. Kyiv claims these components were intended for use in combat operations against Ukraine.
According to Ukrainian officials, the struck vessel was formally a civilian merchant ship.
The Iranian side announced that one sailor died and another was injured as a result of the incident.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected accusations that Tehran is providing military aid to Russia, stating that these claims are unfounded.
The incident indicates a further escalation in the already tense relations between Ukraine and Iran. Although Ukraine and Western countries have claimed in recent months that Iran is providing drones and other military technologies to Russia, Tehran consistently denies these accusations.