Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has met his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, as relations between Kyiv and Tehran remain strained.
Sybiha said the two foreign ministers discussed “mutual steps to prevent further aggravation of tensions” between Ukraine and Iran.
In a post on X, Sybiha said they agreed to keep existing channels of communication open and exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and Europe.
The two officials also discussed various ongoing peace efforts, according to Sybiha.
Ukraine calls for peace and stability
Sybiha said he reiterated Ukraine’s position in support of an earlier restoration of peace and stability in both regions.
The meeting comes amid continued diplomatic tensions between Kyiv and Tehran over Iran’s alleged military support for Russia during the war in Ukraine.
Ukraine and its Western partners have accused Iran of supplying Russia with Shahed-type drones used in attacks against Ukraine. Tehran has denied providing weapons to Russia for use in the war.
Iran accuses Ukraine over Caspian vessel
Relations were further strained after Iran accused Ukraine of attacking an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea in July.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned Ukraine’s chargé d’affaires following the incident and described the alleged attack as a “hostile and criminal act.”
Kyiv and Tehran have maintained opposing positions over the broader conflict and Iran’s relationship with Russia.
Despite the tensions, Sybiha said he and Araghchi agreed to keep communication channels open.
