Ukraine denies Iranian claims it deployed drones in Kurdistan Region

BAGHDAD — Ukraine’s embassy in Iraq on Wednesday denied Iranian allegations that Kyiv had deployed thousands of drones and specialized units to the Kurdistan Region, describing the claims as deliberate disinformation and reaffirming its respect for Iraq’s sovereignty.

The denial followed an Oct. 20 report by Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, which cited an unidentified security source alleging that Ukrainian personnel and drone units were operating in several countries near Iran, including Iraq.

In a statement responding to media inquiries, the Ukrainian Embassy said, “These allegations are entirely unfounded and amount to deliberate disinformation. Ukraine has not deployed any drones, drone units or related personnel in the Kurdistan Region or anywhere else in Iraq.”

In its Oct. 20 report, Tasnim cited the unnamed source as claiming that Ukrainian operatives had deployed thousands of micro-drones in the Kurdistan Region as part of a wider network targeting Iran. The source described the alleged activities as a “failed attempt” and “a scandal” for Ukraine, accusing Kyiv of participating in hostile actions by Europe and NATO against Tehran. The source also said Iran was considering an appropriate response.

The Ukrainian Embassy reaffirmed its relations with Baghdad and Erbil, saying, “Ukraine fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Iraq and deeply values its friendship with the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government.”

The embassy also urged news organizations to verify information before publishing allegations involving Ukraine.

The latest dispute follows similar allegations in August 2025, when Ukraine’s embassy denied reports that Ukrainian personnel had trained militants or provided drone expertise in the Kurdistan Region. The allegations emerged after security authorities in Sulaymaniyah released video footage of detainees claiming that associates of opposition politician Lahur Sheikh Jangi had received drone training abroad, including in Ukraine. Sheikh Jangi’s People’s Front dismissed the footage as fabricated.

The Kurdistan Region has faced repeated drone and missile attacks targeting security facilities, energy infrastructure and bases belonging to Iranian Kurdish opposition groups. On Wednesday, Oct. 21, the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) said Iran had fired four ballistic missiles at one of its bases in the Harir-Balisan area of Erbil governorate at approximately 9:22 a.m. The group reported no casualties, saying the facility had been evacuated before the strike. Earlier, on Sept. 14, three drones struck a Komala opposition facility in Sulaymaniyah governorate, causing material damage but no injuries, while two other drones came down in Sulaymaniyah and Halabja governorates.

The Kurdistan Region’s Peshmerga Ministry warned in early October that the Region remained without an air defense system following the withdrawal of the remaining U.S.-led coalition forces from Erbil Air Base on Sept. 30. The ministry said the Region had faced more than 1,000 drone and ballistic missile attacks during the regional fighting.