DOHA / RIYADH โ In an explosive interview with NBC News on Sunday, March 29, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed he has “proof” that Russia provided critical satellite intelligence to Iran to facilitate its deadly attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. Speaking from Qatar, Zelensky stated he is “100% certain” that Moscow is actively helping Tehran identify and hit U.S. and allied targets in the Middle East.
The intelligence report shared by Zelensky suggests a pattern of Russian surveillance that predicted the timing of the strike with chilling accuracy.
The Intelligence Timeline
According to a summary provided by Ukrainian intelligence agencies, Russian satellites performed multiple high-resolution passes over the Prince Sultan Air Base just days before the assault:
- The Pattern: Russian satellites captured detailed images of the base on March 20, March 23, and March 25.
- Zelensky’s Analysis: “We know from our experience in Ukraine: if they take images once, they are preparing. The second time is a simulation. The third time means that in one or two days, they will attack,” Zelensky told NBC.
- The Result: On Friday, March 27, Iran launched a massive barrage of six ballistic missiles and 29 drones at the base, precisely following the final Russian satellite pass.
Casualties and Damage at Prince Sultan
While initial reports varied, the scale of the attack is now becoming clear. The base, which is shared by U.S. and Saudi forces, sustained its most significant damage since the war began.
- Troop Injuries: At least 15 U.S. service members were wounded in the attack. Reports indicate five are in serious condition, while the others sustained light-to-moderate injuries from shrapnel and blast waves.
- Aircraft Losses: U.S. officials confirmed that multiple aircraft were damaged. Specifically, an E-3 Sentry (AWACS) command-and-control plane and at least one KC-135 refueling tanker were hit. Iran has released Chinese satellite photos claiming to show four tankers burning on the tarmac.
- Historical Context: This marks the second major hit on this specific base; Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington was killed in an earlier Iranian strike on March 1.
Global Surveillance: A Broader Blitz?
Zelensky further alleged that Russian satellite activity was not limited to Saudi Arabia. Between March 24 and March 26, Russian reconnaissance reportedly targeted:
- Diego Garcia: The joint U.S.-UK military facility in the Indian Ocean.
- Kuwait International Airport: Targeted by drones earlier today.
- Al Udeid Air Base (Qatar): One of the largest U.S. bases in the region.
- ฤฐncirlik Air Base (Tรผrkiye): A key NATO hub.
The “Long War” Strategy
Zelensky warned that Vladimir Putin is intentionally fueling the Middle East conflict to divert Western military resources away from Ukraine. He expressed concern that U.S. air defense systems intended for Kyiv might be rerouted to the Gulf, a move he labeled a potential “mistake.”
“I think it is in Russia’s interest to help Iranians. They share information. 100 percent.” โ Volodymyr Zelensky
Whatโs Next?
The Kremlin has denied the allegations of intelligence sharing, though it acknowledged “ongoing military cooperation” with Tehran. As the April 6 deadline for the 15-point U.S. peace plan approaches, the involvement of Russian intelligence adds a dangerous new layer of “Great Power” competition to the regional war.
