Ukraine and Iran discuss de-escalation and drone issues at UN meeting

At a side meeting of the UN General Assembly in New York, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi discussed ways to keep bilateral tension low. The dialogue built on a July phone call that followed a Ukrainian drone strike on an Iranian vessel that killed one sailor and injured another. Both ministers said they would maintain existing communication lines and explore mutual actions to prevent escalation.

Sybiha noted Ukraine’s progress in counter-drone technology and its willingness to help Middle Eastern states targeted by Tehran. The conversation also covered broader regional developments in the Middle East and Europe, as well as various tracks of ongoing peace efforts. Both sides reiterated support for a quicker restoration of stability in their respective regions.