Russia Took Satellite Images Of US Air Base In Saudi Before Iranian Strike: Zelenskyy

Last Updated:March 29, 2026, 06:51 IST

Volodymyr Zelenskyy alleges Russia used satellites to aid Iran in striking Prince Sultan Air Base and other US linked sites, warning this benefits Moscow amid Middle East tensions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that Russia provided intelligence support to Iran ahead of a recent strike on a US’s Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, claiming that Russian satellites repeatedly imaged the key American facility in the days leading up to the strike.

In a post on X, the Ukrainian President shared a summary of Ukrainian intelligence, claiming that Russian satellites captured images of multiple US and allied installations across the Middle East between March 24 and March 26. These included bases and critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Türkiye, and the Indian Ocean region.

As per Zelenskyy, “On March 24, they imaged the U.S.–UK joint military facility on Diego Garcia located in the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean. They also captured pictures of Kuwait International Airport and parts of the infrastructure of the Greater Burgan oil field. On March 25, they took pictures of the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. The Shaybah oil and gas field in Saudi Arabia, İncirlik Air Base in Türkiye, and Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar were all imaged on March 26."

Additionally, in an interview with NBC News, Zelenskyy claimed that Russian satellites photographed the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 20, March 23 and March 25, just days before the attack. On March 26, Iran launched an attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base, which hosts both US and Saudi forces. Iran had fired six ballistic missiles and 29 drones at the base.

Speaking during a visit to Qatar, Zelenskyy said he was “100%" certain that Russia shared intelligence with Iran to help target US forces.

“I think that it’s in Russia’s interest to help Iranians. And I don’t believe — I know — that they share information," he said. “Do they help Iranians? Of course. How many percent? One-hundred percent."

Zelenskyy said that based on Ukraine’s experience, Russia’s repeated photographing of installations over several days is an indication of attack planning.

“We know that if they make images once, they are preparing. If they make images a second time, it’s like a simulation. The third time it means that in one or two days, they will attack," he said.

The Ukrainian President further questioned ongoing discussions around easing sanctions on Russia, arguing that such moves appear contradictory if Moscow is assisting attacks on Western-linked facilities.

It was earlier reported that Russia was providing intelligence to Iran on the location of US forces in the Middle East. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said debunked the claims and said that Moscow had not provided Tehran with intelligence, though he acknowledged continued military cooperation between the two countries.

Zelenskyy’s remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following escalating conflict involving Iran and US-allied forces. He warned that the crisis could indirectly benefit Russia by driving up oil revenues and diverting Western attention and resources away from Ukraine.

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