Ukraine terminated the air services agreement with Iran: what does this mean?

Ukraine has decided to terminate the air services agreement with Iran, signed back in 1993. The move was part of stepped-up sanctions against Iran, which is providing assistance to Russia in its war against Ukraine.

Ukraine has officially stopped air traffic with Iran: what is behind this step?

Ukraine has ended long-term air cooperation with Iran, breaking the agreement that had been in force since 1993. According to Taras Melnychuk, a representative of the Cabinet of Ministers in the Verkhovna Rada, this step is due to the political situation and decisions related to national security.

History of the agreement: what has changed after 30 years

An agreement between Ukraine and Iran was signed on July 9, 1993 in Tehran and made it possible to establish regular air traffic between the countries. However, the turning point came in January 2020, when a Ukrainian plane was shot down by the Iranian military while taking off from Tehran. All 176 people on board were killed, including 11 Ukrainian citizens.

“The importance of national security requires us to make serious and perhaps unpopular decisions. Iran's support for Russia in the war with Ukraine dictates the need to completely stop cooperation with Tehran,” – experts note on the NAnovosti website.

Strengthening sanctions: why Ukraine terminated the agreement

The decision to terminate the agreement is part of a larger sanctions policy against Iran, which provides assistance to Russia. In May 2023, the Verkhovna Rada adopted measures providing for sanctions for 50 years. These sanctions include:

• A ban on the withdrawal of capital from Ukraine for residents of Iran.
• Complete cessation of transit and trade blockade.
• The final cessation of air traffic.

Shutdown of air traffic: what does this mean for citizens

Although air flights between Ukraine and Iran were suspended back in 2020, the official termination of the agreement emphasizes that the restoration of flights is impossible even after the opening of Ukrainian airspace to civilian ships. If flights to Ukraine are resumed, Iranian carriers will no longer be able to restore communications.

“Such a decision by the Cabinet of Ministers is a logical and, in my opinion, inevitable step in the context of military aggression from Russia and support for this aggression from Iran,” – writes NAnovosti, emphasizing the importance of Ukraine’s national security.

Military support from Iran to Russia

Since the beginning of the war, Iran has actively supported Russia, providing it with military assistance, including the supply of drones and ammunition. Ukrainian officials note that Iranian drones, artillery ammunition and Russian support for weapons production threaten both Ukraine and European security.

Main aspects of Iranian military assistance to Russia:

• Delivery of hundreds of combat drones.
• Transfer of artillery ammunition for the Russian front.
• Assistance in the production of drones in Russia.

Such cooperation between Iran and Russia, according to analysts, requires Ukraine and Western countries to take tougher measures against Iran.

The future of diplomatic relations with Iran

Although Ukraine has not officially severed diplomatic relations with Iran, current tensions between the countries and extensive sanctions indicate a possible deterioration in cooperation. The situation is further complicated by political realities: Iran's refusal to cooperate in aviation security after the 2020 tragedy and ignoring Ukraine's demands for compensation for the families of deceased passengers remain significant issues.

“Against the backdrop of Iran’s support for Russian military aggression, the rupture of aviation cooperation is another step towards increasing Tehran’s isolation in the international arena,” – experts emphasize on NAnovosti, pointing to the need to strengthen control over Russia’s allies.

Conclusion

The termination of the air agreement between Ukraine and Iran indicates a serious deterioration in relations between the two countries amid the current international crisis. Russia's support for the Iranian side, supplies of drones and other resources for the war forced Ukraine to strengthen security measures and impose additional sanctions.

Website NAnews continues to monitor developments and inform about new measures within the framework of Ukraine’s sanctions policy.

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