In response to Tehran's sharp statements following the attack on a vessel in the Caspian Sea, Kyiv delivered a stern reply. Dmitry Pletenchuk, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy, stated that the position of a country aiding Russia in the war should not influence Kyiv's actions.
Response to Iran's threats
Commenting on the incident, Pletenchuk used an ironic metaphor, noting that in such situations, people are often advised to "wash it down with cold water." According to him, it is likely that it is too hot in Iran, and there is simply no such water. The spokesperson emphasized that Ukraine is not obliged to take into account the opinion of a state that directly contributes to strengthening Russia's military potential.
The key argument was Iran's direct involvement in arms supplies. Pletenchuk pointed out that Tehran has provided Russia with an "instrument of terror" in the form of kamikaze drones, scaled up their production on its territory, and is engaged in training operators. In his view, the opinion of such a country is the last thing that should concern Ukraine in the current situation.
Logistics as a legitimate target
Special emphasis in the statement was placed on the status of military transport. Dmitry Pletenchuk categorically stated that any military logistics used to support Russian troops is a legitimate military target. According to him, if Ukrainian intelligence structures, working including at the international level, receive information about such objects, Kyiv's reaction will be obvious.
Chronology of events
Tensions around the Caspian Sea escalated following events on July 26. On that day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran publicly accused Ukraine of attacking a vessel, which Tehran called commercial. The Iranian side stated that as a result of the strike, one sailor died and another was injured.
On the same day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the success of the operation. The head of state reported that the Defense Forces achieved "very good results" during long-range strikes on the Caspian. According to Zelenskyy, the vessel struck was being used to transport military cargo to Russia.
