Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday that it is “fair” to give the Iranian people an opportunity to remove what he described as a terrorist regime, as President Donald Trump announced major U.S. strikes against Tehran.
In a social media post, Zelensky pointed to Iran’s support for Russia in its war against Ukraine, stating that although Ukrainians “never threatened Iran,” the Iranian regime chose to become “Putin’s accomplice.” He said Tehran supplied Russia with “shahed” drones, as well as the technology to produce them, in addition to other weapons.
“Other nations have also suffered from Iranian-backed terror,” Zelensky wrote. “Therefore, it is fair to give the Iranian people a chance to rid themselves of a terrorist regime and to guarantee security for all nations that have suffered from terror originating in Iran.”
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine’s position has been consistent, stressing the importance of limiting further escalation while acknowledging what he described as decisive American leadership.
“It is important to preserve as many lives as possible,” Zelensky said. “It is important to prevent the war from expanding. It is important that the United States is acting decisively. Whenever there is American resolve, global criminals weaken. This understanding must also come to the Russians.”
Joint American-Israeli strikes against Iran took place overnight, with Iranian retaliatory strikes reportedly launched against Israel.
In a separate statement, President Donald Trump warned Iran’s armed forces to lay down their arms, saying they would be treated fairly if they complied — or face destruction if they did not.
“Iran is the world’s number one state sponsor of terror and has recently killed tens of thousands of its own people,” Trump said, adding that Iran has been developing long-range missiles capable of threatening U.S. allies in Europe, American troops overseas, and potentially the American homeland.
The president said the United States military began operations to prevent what he called a “very wicked radical dictatorship” from threatening U.S. national security interests. He vowed to destroy Iran’s missile stockpiles and dismantle its missile industry, stating it would be “totally, again, obliterated.”
Addressing the Iranian people directly, Trump urged civilians to stay indoors amid the strikes, warning that conditions outside were dangerous. He then encouraged them to take control of their government once operations conclude.
“When we are finished, take over your government,” Trump said. “It will be yours to take. This will probably be your only chance for generations… now is the time to seize control of your destiny.”
Zelensky recently noted that Ukraine had formally designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization. He concluded his Saturday message by expressing hope that the Middle East would ultimately become safer and more stable.
“Every act of evil, terror, and aggression against neighbors ultimately meets a just response,” Zelensky said. “Ukraine is ready to help every nation so that security and justice increase, and terrorist regimes decrease.”
