Zelensky Reveals Russian Satellite Surveillance of U.S., UK, and Middle Eastern Facilities, Questions Sanctions Relief
KYIV — In a pointed address to journalists, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has disclosed details of recent Russian surveillance operations targeting military and energy infrastructure belonging to the United States, the United Kingdom, and key Middle Eastern allies, warning that easing sanctions on Moscow emboldens further aggression.
Citing daily intelligence briefings received while traveling abroad, President Zelensky detailed a series of satellite imaging operations conducted by Russian forces over a three-day period late last month.
According to the President, on March 24, Russian satellites imaged the joint U.S.–UK military facility on Diego Garcia in the Chagos Archipelago, as well as Kuwait International Airport and sections of the Greater Burgan oil field—one of the world’s largest crude oil fields.
He stated that on March 25, Russian surveillance captured the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. The following day, March 26, imaging was conducted over the Shaybah oil and gas field in Saudi Arabia, İncirlik Air Base in Türkiye, and the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a sprawling installation that serves as the headquarters for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
“There are no Ukrainian facilities on this list,” Zelensky noted during his conversation with journalists, presenting the data as a three-part series of briefings.
The President used the intelligence disclosure to challenge ongoing discussions among Western allies regarding the potential easing of sanctions against Russia. He drew a direct parallel to Russia’s established military tactics in Ukraine, where repeated reconnaissance of civilian infrastructure—including energy and water facilities—typically precedes targeted airstrikes.
“When surveillance is carried out over facilities in Ukraine, we always understand that they must be protected, since plans are in motion to destroy them,” Zelensky said. “Everyone knows that repeated reconnaissance indicates preparations for strikes.”
He questioned the logic of reducing economic pressure on the Kremlin while Russian assets are actively conducting surveillance operations against the very nations deliberating such policy shifts.
“How can sanctions be eased if this is what the Russians are doing?” Zelensky asked. “There must be pressure on the aggressor. And lifting sanctions is certainly not pressure. It looks strange.”
The Ukrainian leader emphasized the contradiction of providing economic relief to a nation he described as earning “daily revenue” while simultaneously gathering intelligence for potential strikes against American, British, Turkish, and Gulf state assets.
“Sanctions are being lifted, while the aggressor is providing intelligence to strike facilities, including those of the countries that are discussing or have already lifted sanctions,” he concluded.
As of press time, the Pentagon and officials in Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Qatar have not issued official responses to the Ukrainian President’s claims regarding the alleged satellite imagery.
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