The European Union has presented what it views as sufficient evidence of Iranian involvement in the Ukraine war, specifically through the supply of Iranian-made drones that Moscow has used against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. A spokesperson confirmed this on Wednesday, signaling that sanctions against individuals, the Tehran regime, and a drone-manufacturing company are under consideration. European and diplomatic sources said this approval of a new package was imminent, with the European Council potentially giving its green light on Thursday before it begins.
There is growing evidence of involvement, officials said. While confidential details cannot be disclosed, the existence of concrete proof is cited as the reason for planned measures. The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, recalled last Monday’s decision by foreign ministers to gather evidence of Iranian participation after tensions rose in the Kiev bombings. After hearing the Ukrainian foreign minister, he stated that Europe would closely monitor drone use, gather facts, and be prepared to respond using the tools at its disposal. Dmitro Kuleba urged sanctions against the Iranian regime for supplying drones to Russia.
According to Reuters, the EU is pursuing sanctions that could include asset freezes and travel bans for eight individuals and related entities tied to drone attacks. A spokesperson for the European Commission, Nabila Massrali, said that with sufficient evidence in hand, work is underway in the Council to deliver a clear, swift, and definitive response. In comments during a debate in the European Parliament, Ursula von der Leyen highlighted concerns about potential war crimes, noting selective strikes on civilian infrastructure aimed at depriving people of water, electricity, and heating ahead of winter. She stressed that Moscow’s actions deserve strong condemnation and that the Union would continue to support Kyiv regardless of the time required.
More sanctions
Officials reiterated that Ukraine would receive as much support as needed, while Europeans remain cautious about energy security, inflation, and the coming winter. The response to Putin’s gas pressure is framed as one of unity and solidarity among EU members. Ahead of meetings in Brussels, ministers signaled that discussions would cover the war in Ukraine and the role of Iran in the conflict, with sanctions already in motion this week targeting Iranian entities.
In another development, EU foreign ministers confirmed sanctions that targeted Iranian authorities and related organizations. The discussions also referenced the case of a young woman who died in police custody after protests sparked by Mahsa Amini’s death and wearing of a headscarf. The draft conclusions, prepared by a group of 27 officials, condemned the authorities for the unjust and unacceptable use of force against peaceful demonstrators, including women, and supported the sanctions imposed for human rights violations.