Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a meeting in New York on September 23 on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The talks focused on possible steps to prevent further deterioration in relations between the two countries. According to the Ukrainian foreign minister, the sides agreed to maintain existing communication channels despite ongoing disagreements.

Sybiha said the meeting followed a telephone conversation between the two diplomats in July. At that time, the sides discussed the consequences of a Ukrainian drone strike on a vessel transporting military cargo between Russia and Iran. One sailor was killed and another injured in the incident. Iran condemned the attack and described it as an act of aggression, while Kyiv stated that Russia bears responsibility for the war and its consequences.

“Diplomacy is about direct dialogue, even in difficult circumstances”, Sybiha said while commenting on the talks.

The foreign ministers also exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and Europe, as well as various ongoing peace efforts. The Ukrainian minister reaffirmed Kyiv’s position in support of the swift restoration of peace and stability in both regions.

Relations between Ukraine and Iran remain strained, particularly due to Tehran’s military cooperation with Moscow. Throughout the Russian-Ukrainian war, Russian armed forces have repeatedly used Iranian-designed drones to strike Ukrainian cities, military targets, and critical infrastructure.

Against this backdrop, Kyiv has previously called on Tehran to end its military support for Russia. At the same time, Ukraine has been developing its own technologies to counter drone threats and offering relevant expertise to Middle Eastern countries.

The meeting did not result in the announcement of formal agreements or changes in the parties’ positions on key issues. Nevertheless, maintaining direct diplomatic dialogue could serve as a mechanism for preventing new incidents and limiting further escalation between Kyiv and Tehran.

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23.09.2026 08:04