Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said he had held a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi following the incident involving an Iranian vessel. According to him, Kyiv is interested in preventing further escalation and explained Ukraine’s position.

“Diplomacy is direct dialogue, even when it is difficult. I stressed that our goal is to avoid unnecessary escalation,” Sybiha wrote on social media platform X.

The Ukrainian minister said that Kyiv’s actions are aimed solely at defending the country from Russian aggression and “have never targeted civilian vessels or people.”

Commenting on Iran’s statements about the death of one of its citizens and damage to a civilian vessel, Sybiha noted that Ukraine does not seek conflict with Tehran and that its goal remains countering Russia. According to him, Moscow bears responsibility for “all provocations and casualties” connected to the war.

Sybiha also urged Iran to refrain from any steps that could increase tensions and to stop supporting Russia in the war against Ukraine.

“Europe and the Middle East deserve stability, security, and peace,” the head of Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry emphasized.