Zelenskiy Urges Global Support for Iranian Protests Amid Rising Tensions With Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called on the international community to actively support the ongoing protests in Iran, describing them as a critical opportunity for change and freedom from a regime he says has brought harm both domestically and abroad, including to Ukraine. Speaking in his nightly video address on Monday, Zelenskiy characterized the widespread demonstrations across Iran as a full-scale “uprising” and urged world leaders not to remain passive.

The protests, which erupted on December 28, initially began as public frustration over worsening economic conditions. Over time, they have evolved into broader demands calling for the downfall of Iran’s clerical leadership. According to the U.S.-based human rights organization HRANA, at least 572 people have been killed and more than 10,000 arrested since the unrest began, highlighting the severity of the government crackdown.

Zelenskiy emphasized that the situation in Iran has direct implications for global security, particularly in light of Iran’s growing military cooperation with Russia. He pointed to Russia’s extensive use of Iranian-made Shahed drones in its ongoing war against Ukraine as evidence that Tehran’s actions extend far beyond its borders. The Ukrainian leader argued that the scale of protests should force Moscow to reconsider its close alliance with Tehran.

“Every normal person on Earth wants the people of Iran to finally free themselves from the regime that has brought so much evil,” Zelenskiy said, stressing that this moment represents a rare chance for meaningful change. He urged governments, international organizations, and global leaders to engage immediately and support the Iranian people in holding their rulers accountable.

Relations between Russia and Iran have strengthened significantly since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a 20-year strategic partnership agreement, deepening military ties and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.

Zelenskiy’s remarks underscore Ukraine’s broader diplomatic message: that authoritarian alliances pose a threat not only to individual nations but to international stability as a whole. By framing the Iranian protests as a global concern, he is seeking to rally international attention and action at a moment he believes could reshape the region’s future.