Ukraine says Iran ship strike unintentional, seeks to avoid escalation

Ukraine and Iran are engaged in diplomatic efforts to defuse a maritime incident in the Caspian Sea. Kyiv has assured Tehran that the reported strike on an Iranian commercial vessel was unintentional, according to Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. He stated on X that Ukraine seeks no escalation, but stressed that attacks on Iranian citizens or national interests are "unacceptable" and demand "restitution for losses."

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I was assured by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha that the attack on an Iranian ship was unintentional and Ukraine seeks no escalation.

Tehran had previously accused Ukraine of the attack, which resulted in one sailor's death and another's injury. Iran condemned the incident as aggression, summoned Ukraine's charge d'affaires, and demanded accountability. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described his conversation with Araghchi as "frank," emphasizing diplomacy's role in managing strained relations and avoiding unnecessary escalation.

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There must be restitution for losses.

Sybiha reiterated that Ukraine's military operations are strictly defensive against Russian aggression and are never aimed at civilian vessels or people. He placed the blame for the incident squarely on Russia, calling Moscow the "root cause of all incidents" and fully responsible for provocations and casualties. Ukraine urged Tehran to refrain from escalating the situation and to cease its support for Russia's ongoing war.

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Diplomacy is about direct conversation, even when it's difficult. I stressed that our goal is to avoid unnecessary escalation.