Ukraine denounces Iran's crackdown as death toll surges — Foreign Ministry

The ministry noted that the protests in Iran reflect the people’s desire for freedom, dignity, and a better future. At the same time, violence and brutality by the authorities constitute a gross violation of fundamental human rights and freedoms, undermining the principles of democracy and the rule of law.

“We call on the Iranian authorities to abandon the use of force, respect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, and meet the legitimate demands of their own people," the statement said.

"Violence against defenseless protesters must be stopped immediately.”

Kyiv also urged the international community to increase political, diplomatic, and other forms of pressure on Tehran.

On Jan. 13, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced support for participants in anti-government protests in Iran and condemned the repression. He said that “a regime that has killed so many people does not deserve to exist.”

Iran mass protests

Large-scale anti-government protests have continued in Iran since late 2025. They began in Tehran among business owners dissatisfied with the economic situation and the collapse of the national currency after the Iranian rial lost nearly half of its value against the U.S. dollar in 2025, while inflation reached 42.5% in December.

The protests later spread to cities previously considered loyal to the regime, including Qom in central Iran and Mashhad in the northeast.

On Jan. 10, Reza Pahlavi, crown prince of the Pahlavi dynasty who has lived in the United States since 1979, urged Iranians to escalate resistance and gradually take control of cities.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington was considering “very tough” options regarding Iran amid the protests and the deaths of demonstrators, not ruling out the use of military force.

On Jan. 13, media reported that the number of people killed during the suppression of protests in Iran could be around 20,000.

The same day, Trump called on Iranians to continue protesting and seize institutions, stating that assistance was “already on the way.”